Fallen Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera 'Served With Humanity'

CHICAGO — On a muggy, summer afternoon, mourners gathered Wednesday at Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park to celebrate the life of fallen Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera, who was killed in the line of duty earlier this month.

The 36-year-old officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer on June 5 while pursuing a suspect believed to armed, who had allegedly fled an investigatory stop in Chatham. The suspect ran into the unit of a nearby apartment building, when they were met by a second man, now charged in her death, that police say pointed a rifle at another officer. As Rivera continued to pursue the fleeing suspect down the hallway, the other officer, fearing for their life, fired their weapon, police said. The single shot struck Rivera in the back. She died later that evening at University of Chicago Medical Center.

Among a sea of black summer mourning dresses and Chicago police uniforms, Officer Rivera’s life was celebrated by a gospel choir and accolades from colleagues and friends. Her mother, Yolanda Rivera, and stepfather, Roderick “Rico” Thompson, older sisters Jacqueline and Yasmin Rivera, and the center of the fallen officer’s world, her young daughter, Isabella, CPD Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis recalled the fallen officer’s humble beginnings.

Officer Krystal Rivera, 36, was described as a hard charger and a worker. She was amazing.

Rivera was born Nov. 29, 1988 to loving Puerto Rican parents, Yolanda Rivera and Eduardo Miguel Rivera. She was the youngest of three sisters, with whom she shared a deep bond. Her father was a preacher, who helped anchor a strong foundation of faith in her life.

“Though she was the baby of the family, Krystal had a fiercely protective spirit, especially when it came to her mother, Yolanda,” Lewis-Davis said in a recitation of her obituary. “She was incredibly proud of who her mother was and often said Yolanda was her greatest motivation.”

From a young age, Rivera wanted to be a police officer. When she was 18, her intention was to join the Army.

“But [Krystal] soon felt a strong calling to serve her community as a police officer,” the police chaplain said. “She pursued that calling with passion and dedication, eventually becoming a proud member of the Chicago Police Department.”

At the time of her death, Rivera was “a proud four-year and four-month police officer of the Chicago Police Department.” She was researching the online classes she needed to achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a forensic investigator for the Chicago Police Department.

“She was a woman of integrity, hardworking, resilient, and full of dreams of which she actively pursued,” Lewis-Davis said. “Being surrounded by strong women her entire life deeply inspired Krystal and fueled her drive to pursue her goals with passion and determination.”

As a time-stretched single mother Rivera gave much to her work and goals, as well as her commitment to health and fitness, her “number one priority was always her daughter, Isabella,” called Bella by her family.

“Her daughter was the center of her world, and everything she did was with Isabella in mind,” Lewis-Davis said. “She poured her love, energy, and strength into being a devoted mother; instilling strong moral values, teaching her to be kind and loving, and leading by example with grace and courage.”

Calling Officer Rivera a true hero, Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said she understood the risks of the job yet chose to do it anyway.

“It is important to understand what Officer Rivera did on an everyday basis,” Snelling told mourners in the Living Word Christian Center. “Every day, you go out into the street with all the unpredictability and a strong possibility that you will never return home, yet she did it anyway.”

Last August, Officer Rivera responded to a call of a person catastrophically injured, rendered aid and talked to the person to keep them calm until paramedics arrived, earning a Life Saving Award.

“When most people think about police officers, they think about the criminal aspect of it, taking people into custody and criminals off the street, but people aren’t aware of the other side,” Snelling said. “Police Officer Krystal Rivera was no different. She went out there and served with humanity.”

While the hardest part of his job was to tell the families of officers gravely wounded in the line of duty that their officer had passed, Snelling said it was harder for families to hear it.

“The night of the tragic incident and giving the tragic news to Krystal’s mother and stepfather, Rico, I saw strength, I saw power and control,” the police superintendent said. “Through that pain, I saw courage and resilience.”

Commander Michael Tate, of the 6th (Gresham) District, where Rivera was assigned as a tactical officer, described her as a hard charger and a worker. She was amazing, Snelling shared with mourners.

“She understood what it took to ho out and keep people safe in this city. She set an example for the world at the risk of losing her life. She wasn’t looking for recognition.”

Recalling a conversation with River’s 10-year-old daughter, Isabella, called “Bella” by her family, he had with her at University of Chicago Medical Center.

“She was young, beautiful, vibrant, strong powerful, with one of the greatest smiles you’ll ever see, Snelling said.

Bella, he said, asked him if her mother was a good police officer.

“Your mom was an exemplary officer. She was magnificent. To be an exemplary officer, you first have to be an exemplary human being,” Snelling said. “You’ve gained strength, resilience, and toughness. It’s going to be tough for, but the Chicago Police Department will always be here for you … Her name will not be forgotten.”

Contributions may be made to the Krystal Rivera Memorial Fund, C/O National Police Federal Credit Union, 1407 W. Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607.