Signing Off
This is an unusual tribute. But then, this guy sounds like he was an exceptional dispatcher:
As calm and cool as he may have sounded over police radio, Guadalupe “Lupe” Lopez would still worry about Chicago police officers on the street, especially if they reported they were in danger.
“I’m worried about all the 10-1s. I get a 10-1 and my heart drops,” Lopez would tell his son, Richie, who recounted his father’s words in describing an emergency call of an officer needing help. “There’s 10-1s at work and there’s people that need help and I wish I could do more.”
As a 911 dispatcher for the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications, Lopez was responsible for quarterbacking the 911 calls given to officers who work in the West Side’s Ogden and Harrison patrol districts, two of the more troubled areas of the city that struggle with violence.
We've seen newspaper and television articles, and thirty-three years is along time to work Zone 10, especially on midnights.. Most cops don't last a decade in that sort of pressure cooker.
It sounds like he was well known and appreciated, which is a rare thing for any individual in Public Safety work. Godspeed Dispatcher Lopez.
Labels: general
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
103 Comments:
Take a Librium Lopez and chill out.
Your ears have heard the screams and tortures of Hell itself.
God Speed.
It's a Gift from God that he walks out alive.
So much better than a silent key ceremony.
You can appreciate him by listening to the dispatch audio on a police shooting. The first dispatcher can't even get the address right. He comes in right around the 5min mark. What a difference.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zpdu5391oHg
At least the man made an honest living.
Much was given to entitled punks like Eddie Weddie Johnson,
yet he pissed it all away.
We have some great dispatchers in this city...and Lupe was the best of them!
Future Ogden (Marquette) and Harrison district officers will never have the benefit and pleasure of working with him. RIP Lupe, you were truly one of a kind and one of the best.
Godspeed Lupe.
1134... Once upon a time...
"Tha' Blue Fleece Poleece."
There are plenty of good dispatchers at OEMC, but none better than Lupe. We all suffered a great loss. May God open his arms and welcome you home brother.
OEMC on Madison and Lexington are COVID19 outbreak centers. Still nothing done about it, Lexington also has raidiation a police officer got sick from it.
He was a fantastic dispatcher. Rest easy Lupe.
Him and Lyna were the absolute best. Always kept his calm and when shit hit the fan would always step in if another visiting dispatcher was on (took over when the Pos were shot on 3700 Polk). The man had a way about him, everyone whoever met him liked him. He was just that type of person and had that type of personality. To survive on Zone 10 for that long and not lose your cool is definitely an accomplishment. You’ll always have a spot in my heart, Godspeed brother, until we meet again to have a drink and talk about the cheating Astros.
Deepest condolences and sincerest sympathies to the immediate family, friends, and extended family at OEMC and throughout the law enforcement community. Much thanks and love for all you did and endured to keep us safe xoxo
“Here we go, units in 011 and on citywide...”
Lupe was the greatest.
Rest easy, sir.
Lupe was the BEST, just simply the BEST. He knew the cops, the regular 911 callers and the streets and businesses in the 10th & 11th Districts. He knew an incredible amount of information and he passed that information on to the coppers he was dispatching. He cared about the cops and the citizens. The BEST! Thank you Lupe and thanks to his family for lending him to us for over three decades.
One of the absolute best. Heartbreaking loss.
Hey guys, units in 011 and the citywide, here we go, here we go...... Lupe was a blessing to zone10. He actually cared about the people on the other side of the radio. May he enjoy God's eternal peace. --former and always proud 011 blue shirt.
I had him as a dispatcher for several years working midnights in 011, I’m sure people have bad stories and experiences, but my experiences with Lupe were that he was arguably the best dispatcher I’ve ever had on a zone, and I’ve been on several. It’s not something you think about that often, and you don’t appreciate a great dispatcher like Lupe until you’ve experienced bad ones. I’ve lost count of the 10-1s, I’ve been hands on, on scene for several officers shot with Lupe as a dispatcher, and he never got rattled, he never panicked or lost his cool. And again, you don’t know how important that is until shit hits the fan and you have a bad dispatcher losing their shit and panicking during a 10-1. RIP Lupe, it was a pleasure working with you, and thanks for being there for us.
Lupe was an excellent dispatcher, and he will be dearly missed in 011 on 1st watch. Rest In Peace, Lupe.
Lupe is now Zone 10’s guardian angel for all first responders! RIP Hero!
Lupe was a great dispatcher, he held things together when chaos occurred. He will be missed. Prayers for his wife.
I worked in 010. He was simply the best dispatcher. Very kind man and great to get along with over the air.
He will be greatly missed. Loved him on midnights in 011. First time I was able to put a face to the voice was at Iras.
R.I.P. Mr: Lopez. Thank you for looking out for officers and taking a job that demands dedication. Almost all dispatchers genuinely care about CPD. They are family and deserve to be honored for keeping officers safe.
That was a nice tribute. I don't know his voice, didn't know him but, I'm sure I heard him many times over the years. God speed brother.
Lupe was one , if not the greatest dispatchers to bless this department and the city. God rest his soul. He’s earned his place at the right hand of God 10times over.
RIP
Rest In Peace sir!! May God Bless your family, and give them comfort they need!! Thank you for your service sir!!
One of the very best! Thank you for being there for us night after night, summer after summer, job after job.
Lupe was the BEST! Just hearing that voice on the radio was a comfort. We will never forget you; you’re a part of our family.
For over half of my 25 years I’ve shared a zone with Lupe. He always brought calm to the storm and was one step ahead in a crisis. Many a Police Officer went home safely because of him. I never met him and that is my loss. May The Grace of God bring wisdom to his family at this time.
He and Lina are the voices of zone 10. When they're on you feel reassured that communication won't be a problem. We lost a good one watching our backs even if from afar. Rest in peace my friend
He was a godsend when you needed help on the streets. Hearing his voice made you know you were gonna get the help you needed and where you need it. He was a guarding angle when you were in a fight for your life. He will be missed by not only his family but by every working copper on the westside. He will always be the measuring stick I judge all other dispatchers. Thank you for your service the city and especially every copper lost someone special.
Worked 3rd watch 20 years ago in 010. He was on midnights. Great dispatcher. My condolences to his friends and family.
Jason and Lupe on a Saturday night was an unbeatable combination. Rest In Peace.
Lupe was the best of the best. One of the rare, competent dispatchers CPD has to offer. He will be missed. Thank you for keeping us safe Lupe!
Truly appreciated that guy when I was in 011. Great dispatcher, it was always a nice moment to log on for the night and hear his voice. Gave some extra confidence knowing an extremely competent and knowledgeable dispatcher had the reins.
Rest in peace, Lupe.
Rest in the Lord's hands dear sir. You truly blessed the people in 010 with you words and call to duty. Us old timer' remember when dispatchers were sworn and walked on water for the street guys/ Lupe' appeals to had filled this bill.
I am certain hearing your voice will be missed by the people you directed to calls and got them help when needed. Your bereaved loved ones will be thought of and Lupe' name will be remembered for age to come. God bless you sir. The zone copper' will care for your kin.
Officer safety alert…......Lupe is gone........To those who don’t know maybe it sounds strange...but to those who know it makes perfect sense...”here we go. Simulcast busy. Zone 10 and units on the citywide....”
R. I. P. Lupe! You will be missed.
Glad I retired in 2014
Zone 10 has been blessed with some great dispatchers. Who could forget Stans distinct voice, and knowledge of the job. He was known for taking care of those bullshit tickets. You hope theres another Lupe waiting to sit in that seat and guide coppers the way to safety. God speed sir, you will be missed.
Happy anniversary 91-8.
Lupe was the best of the best. He along with Lyna
made a tough night on Zone 10 comforting. May Lupe’s
memory be eternal. Thank you for your service, Lupe.
Blessings to his family, friends and Zone 10
Lupe was a great dispatcher
And an even better person
Rest in Peace
Lupe was a class act, great person, awesome father, best co- worker. Never missed a fundraiser or retirement party.when a Policeman needed a friend he was always there for you.They broke the mold when he was created.RIP brother.
God Bless you Lupe. You will truly be missed. It was a pleasure to have worked with you and to have known you.
Zone 10 is nothing but pressure. Job well done, sir.
May God watch over him, as he watched over us.
Good TCs (dispatch) makes a world of difference for non police folk. They are either there with you ... or.. not listening :/ rip brother
Kazmarek (sic) Zone 3 City Wide 3 1960s saved more than one young cop. If you have one of these jewels on your side take the time, make the effort to go to the CCR and thank them in person.
old and retired
Most of you won't know but when I got on the job 30yrs ago we had 2 dispatchers on zone 10, Stan (the man) & Lupe, the greatest dispatchers by far in Chicago. They worked midnights and every night we heard, welcome to the wild wild west get your crayons ready cuz here we go... both would take control on the radio and put some of the useless know nothing supervisors in check. Met Stan once but got to know Lupe and he's 1 of the nicest person you will ever meet, thanks bro for taking care of us over the last 30 something years. God bless you & our families cuz yours are part of ours....
https://www.gofundme.com/f/commemorating-one-of-the-citys-finest
An “ old school” dispatcher God Bless Lupe and his wife. ♠️
Lupe is now next to Stanley, the two best dispatchers the Westside had ever had.
0356, well said. I worked traffic often, usually 99, any calls that came out I usually did a drive by at the minimum. I always referred to a good dispatcher as my guardian angel as I never felt that I was alone in the dark when they were right there on my shoulder.
GOD speed sir, rest easy in the comfort you brought to many. Your family can be proud and I pray that they may take comfort in knowing that many of us truly know what a good , good man Lupe was, he will be remembered and missed.
I got the honor to know Lupe personally. I worked in 010 and everytime I'd hear his voice as a young P.O I knew it was going to be a good night and If I needed help Lupe will be right there to get it for me. Was in numerous 10-1's and Lupe like the great dispatcher he was remained cool , calm, and collective when pure madness was going on. Lupe was the best their was. The only thing he cared about was for everyone to go home safe. He was a genuine great guy. Lupe you will truly be missed. Love you brother.
Didnt know him personally, but if assigned to zone 10 for the evening it came as a relief to hear his voice. You could tell he cared and was extremely knowledgeable about his AOR, especially if you lost your bearings or stepped in shit. RIP.
In that far away time when we were all eager to be at work I have the the memory of feeling my heart start to race upon hearing Lupe say “All right, here we go, unite in ten and on the citywide.......”. You knew it was a hot call. Because you knew he knew. An excellent man. I still hear those words when I think of the good times. R.I.P. brother.
Lupe n Lyna the best dispatch combo I had pleasure of working.
"Alright, here we go ..."
Doubt I'll ever have a better dispatcher. Calm even when shit was hitting the fan, always gave any necessary info he had in a concise manner, and a good sense of humor. It seemed like he was practically on-scene with how on top of stuff he was. He had been out sick for a while and they were having some new people fill in (most of whom just couldn't cut it on Zone 10). I remember Lupe was back for a few nights and it was great to hear him again.
Condolences to his family, and to his dispatch partner Jason, who is a great guy in his own right.
So many OEMC dispatchers are faceless to us. Maybe I heard Lupe on the Zone at one time ot another during my brief time in 010, I forget some of the names of yore, but the new OEMC kept us out of the room unlike the old 11th & State, so getting to know the Zone was usually limited to watch parties (huh,you say) or maybe at an annual holiday parties (huh?). Grabbing low priority calls so the dispatchers can clear their stack so they can change shifts was a good way to be remembered the next day. Not sure how you all do it today, always being in a RAP.
Over the years, waaaaay back when there used to be old timer street police as dispatchers at the consoles, we had a lot of good dispatchers that were aces, almost hit parade broadcasters that spoke with clarity and that uncanny ability to listen through all sorts of radio traffic during high stress times. I can say they knew the territory they were sending us young pups out into, seems like Lupe had that style, that pizazz, wits and compassion.
Nice tribute.
Here’s to the old days and dispatchers like Lupe.
At least the man made an honest living.
Much was given to entitled punks like Eddie Weddie Johnson,
yet he pissed it all away.
11/18/2020 12:14:00 AM
Enough with the obsession, keep this thread focused on Lopez!
His guys voice was known city wide. He would occassionally cover other stations. Not sure how it works up there with o.t. etc. He was always the calm in a storm. R.I.P. brother.
RIP Lupe.
011 Midnights 1999-2001.
Lupe was part of a great trio of Zone 10 midnight dispatchers. Lyna, Nick (a P.O.) and Lupe were always there for us no matter what we got ourselves into. They all had a great sense of humor and played along with out shenanigans. But when it was time to get serious they acted like leaders and helped direct our response with the utmost of professionalism. Lupe's voice is one that I will never forget.
May God rest his soul and may the perpetual light shine upon him. Rest well Lupe. CPD RETIRED
I miss you Lupe... what a great man, what a great loss.. miss your voice brother. RIP
RIP MR LOPEZ
A bona fide “ Subject Matter Expert”! Recommend post retirement employment as Instructor
Never had the pleasure, but appreciate Lupe’s taking such good care of my brothers and sisters. Rest In Peace, Sir, for eternity. Retired, thank God, and loving it.
God bless you brother, we lost a good one
RIP Dispatcher.
There were so many good ones that kept the shit together. And what a pleasure to meet them in person. Some would attend Xmas parties and would be treated like royalty.Bringing family members over to them saying "This is my dispatcher..." Sometimes a meet up after 3rd watch 007 at Groucho's/Iras where ever.
Always loved getting a station assignment down to 11th & State and bringing bags full of whatever the district was famous for... old fashioned donuts from 005, Taurus steak from 004..walking in to the old CC Room to see the blue shirts and faces that had our asses.
God Bless You All
Anonymous Anonymous said...
“Here we go, units in 011 and on citywide...”
Lupe was the greatest.
Rest easy, sir.
11/18/2020 12:30:00 AM
Just reading those 9 words took me back. Lupe you were the best brother
He was in Communications 33 years. He was on zone Ten, midnights for 23years.
He was a godsend when you needed help on the streets. Hearing his voice made you know you were gonna get the help you needed and where you need it. He was a guarding angle when you were in a fight for your life. He will be missed by not only his family but by every working copper on the westside. He will always be the measuring stick I judge all other dispatchers. Thank you for your service the city and especially every copper lost someone special.
******************************
Very well said sir or ma'am. I couldn't have described him any better or that feeling knowing he was gonna be on the radio with you!
RIP Lupe, God Speed, you will be missed
Line of Duty Death? I would hope so. OEMC is a cesspool of germs. He should get his badge in the star case along side the Officers he worked with for so long. His death should be held up as an example to others who do that job. God Speed Z10 Ranger
Lupe was a great dispatcher. Always calm and cool. Had the pleasure of sharing a few drinks with him at My Mistake. Through the years crossed paths with him and was always good to catch up with him. Always a class act. May God take him in his arms and appreciate Lupe as much as he was appreciated here on earth. RIP Lupe.
12:05 AM, 12:10 AM
My SINCERE apologies to the family.
I failed to read the link and though the gentleman retired
from service, rather than died.
This tribute on SCC is equivalent to the silent key ceremony
given for ham radio operators.
Thank you for your excellent service, sir.
Lupe was an excellent dispatcher. He took pride in working Zone 10 and the officers that serve Zone 10. He was part of our family. He was the voice of Zone 10. He will be missed. Thanks for keeping us safe for all those years. Rest in peace and God bless those you left behind.
The term dispatcher belongs to people who send out cabs or trucks, not what they do at 911.
Lupe called a 10-1 for me before I could get my hands on the radio. Afterwards, asked him how he knew my life was in jeopardy, he just shrugged casually and said that he could tell.
30 years midnights on Zone 10, it was always good to hear Lupe and Lyna on the other end of that non stop radio.
RIP Lupe
Stan The Man (Z-10),
Uncle Wally (Z-13),
Lupe (AND Lyna ;^) (Z-10)...
The very BEST of
"Westcide" radio...
My apologies I misread the above and thought this great man and wonderful dispatcher had retired. My condolences to the family and God Bless you Lupe. Thank you for looking out for us and now you'll be looking over us.
Been retired a while, but heard Lupe's voice on a You Tube dispatch and recognized the voice.
Nowadays, I hear a lot of babbling from dispatchers, giving lengthy stories. You gotta miss
professionals like Lupe.
I will miss your “good mornings” and all the times over the years you made me laugh or stopped me from
Wanting to cry. Rest Easy my friend. No one can ever or will ever take your place but thanks to your expertise, knowledge and willingness to train and mentor the newbies there are people taking the seat. You were there the day I walked in and started my career there and it won’t be the same there without you. Thank you so much SCC for posting this and giving us the ability to read all these wonderful comments about our beloved Lupe.
His wife is fighting still in hospital as well. Are there any fundraisers for his family?
The great dispatchers of old.... Stan was the man, Lupe watched over us & Nick the grumpy dispatcher. Miss the boys there will never be others like them. Thank you for everything you did
There's no better tribute for a man to have then to read about all the lives lupe touched. So many officers went home after a tour because of Lupe. not knowing the person behind the voice, If you were lucky, you got to meet him at a benefit or a cookout. Lupe never missed the benefits, he always supported police. In these trying times, let's support lupe now, let's support his wife, let's support his family. Let's support lupe, a first responder, for in the line of duty benefits. It's a shame that you gave so much to this city, and yet this city probably hasn't even reached out to your family. The honor was mine, of having to work with you and to have known you all those years, but more importantly, to be your friend and brother.
Rest In Peace Lupe. I know exactly what a great dispatcher is all about. You are the lifeline many of us older guys appreciated. You Sir will be rewarded! God Bless his family.
You touched so many lives.
Former LEO, New Mexico, USA!
Godspeed. He had his fingers on the pulse of the Zone. He RAN IT!
RIP LUPE . A voice from heaven many terrifying nights . Honestly a great dispatcher
reminesernt of a great dispatcher we had when we came on in 1972any one recall RUSS CARROLL a guy that would never get you hurt and knew the areas he was sending you into,,,,
https://www.gofundme.com/f/commemorating-one-of-the-citys-finest?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all
Name OEMC for him!!!
Qué Dios te bendiga mi hermano eres y sigues siendo un gran hombre en el trono de Dios que Dios te bendiga descanse en paz.
They had an old pro like that on zone 2 midnight's, Anyone know what happened to him ? And then there's the girl on zone 2 days. She is one of the best, heard her on CW6 for years running critical special events. Some very talented professionals. For those of you in scanner land, sad to say P25 Digital encrypted is coming and Chicago will go dark like so many of the suburbs. The first hint of this: Event 1.
It's interesting that Lupe worried so much about the 10-1's, because when you were screaming unintelligibly into the mic he knew who you were, and most of the time where you were! Lupe, thanks for getting me through my time in 011. My condolences to his family. He IS Chicago Police radio.... The Hat.
I can’t believe you are gone. I told you to come back and you left me. 20 years ago you took me under your wing, trained me and made me the dispatcher I am today. You said your goodbyes to me in a weird way but that’s how you do it. I’m going to miss your smile, your laugh, your way of doing things. You were so hard headed. I’m glad you never got mad at me cuz I’m sure you would of held a grudge against me. I was one of the lucky ones to have you friendship and family status. It was difficult walking into OEMC and not seeing you there. It actually sucked...but I’m sure your like “I told you you’d miss me one day”. Find my mom up there, I already told her about you. Told her to pull your ears for not listening to me and coming back to work. 💔. This is not a goodbye by far. Eventually I will see you again one day...so save me a seat. God took you to watch over your family, CPD family and OEMC family. I’m not saying goodbye. You were supposed to stick around for so many upcoming events. I already miss you. My heart go out to the Lopez family. I need you to burn a fire under Maria so she’ll get better and come home to those kids of yours. Help her find the strength. Those kids need here more then you’ll ever know. Love ya My Lupe! I’ll see you again in the near future 💙
To the officers in 010 on midnights Lupe was family, he was always there for you on the other end of that radio, like a beacon in the dark. When I read he passed I was so saddened. Every time we talked he always talked about his family! Always thinking about someone other than himself. Godspeed brother you will be missed! Like people are saying we all know you will be zone 10’s guardian angel. Be at peace...
Anonymous The Box Chevy Phantom said...
Stan The Man (Z-10),
Uncle Wally (Z-13),
Lupe (AND Lyna ;^) (Z-10)...
The very BEST of
"Westcide" radio...
——————
Amen.
This Wellers ain’t helping the lump in my throat.
RIP Lupe. I hope there’s a ‘Wild Kingdom’ up in heaven. Tomorrow night it’s two fingers of Chivas Regal for both you and Stan.
Vaya con dios, partner.
RIP Lupe. I loved hearing Lupe on the radio because you could tell he cared about us, was ready and able to immediately get resources to you if shit went south. What a good, honest man with a heart of gold. I wish he could have enjoyed some of his hard-earned retirement. I also wish I met him in person or called the zone to just thank him. Listening to 10-1s send a chill down my spine as you just hope the officers are okay and, if responding, that you make it there in time to help. I can imagine Lupe’s BP would spike and it took an emotional and physical toll on him. In the end, he gave his life for us. Rest easy, brother. Thank you a million times over for how you treated us and how you performed.
What happened to dispatcher Judy on zone 3 ???? Judy was GOOD !!!!!!
In the 80's, whatever zone had the 2nd District then (Hey, I'm old.) was a broad who was a regular fill in for our normal guy and she had a voice like fingernails on a chalkboard. My G-D but it made for a long tour.
What a wonderful tribute. I hope that the comments here can be shared with the family this special man leaves behind. It would also make useful reading for young/new dispatchers. Go and do likewise...
/a beacon in the dark....
//a guardian angel on my shoulder....
///I knew that I was not alone....
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Officer safety alert…......Lupe is gone........To those who don’t know maybe it sounds strange...but to those who know it makes perfect sense...”here we go. Simulcast busy. Zone 10 and units on the citywide....”
If the simulcast is busy, then he wouldn’t be broadcasting to the citywide. That’s what that means.
Man this made me cry at work.
"For those of you in scanner land, sad to say P25 Digital encrypted is coming and Chicago will go dark like so many of the suburbs. The first hint of this: Event 1."
Whats Event 1? I only knew Lupe from 'scanner land.' Scanner livestreams have largely killed the hobby in some ways but also hyperlocalized it in others...and yes eventually P25 will arrive here too... it is only a matter of time. But, Chicago's been mumbling about it for 20+ years and can't complete any single project in a decade. Unless those radios become more prevalent or are actually used toward some end, we will hopefully have at least the better part of a decade on analog air without budgeting expensive new digital radios and training to use them. And P25 is not necessarily encrypted, so maybe they'll try to be 'transparent' at least with zone dispatch. Anyhow, I didn't mean to hijack the thread but the current state of radio politics is how I was able to listen to Zone 10 first watch as my go-to. I feel like it was an opportunity to hear him, let alone the rest of how things go on your end in general, it should be required listening. Rest easy, Lupe, I feel like I knew you too. Not like the rest of these guys and gals but I knew what makes you laugh and laughed with you and that I will miss.
BR
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