Law Enforcement Memorial Day To Honor Will County's Fallen Heroes

JOLIET, IL — Fallen law enforcement officers from across Will County will again be honored this year, at the 43rd annual Law Enforcement Memorial Day set for May 9.

Sponsored by the Police Chiefs Association of Will County, the event will include a memorial Mass and procession to the Memorial Wall. Engraved on the granite memorial are the names of 37 fallen heroes, representing various departments across Will County.

"The sacrifices made by these individuals are deeply acknowledged," said Tracy Chapman, president of the Police Chiefs Association and deputy director of the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

The engraved names represent 10 from the Illinois Department of Corrections, eight from the Joliet Police Department, six from the Will County Sheriff’s Department and five from the Illinois State Police, two each from the Lockport Police Department and the Crest Hill Police Department, and one each from the Frankfort Police Department, the Illinois Conservation Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Will County Probation Department.

Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 127 S. Briggs St. in Joliet. The church service will be followed by a noon procession to the memorial on the north lawn of the old Will County Courthouse.

Members of the public are invited to attend.

"In honoring these law enforcement officers who gave their all, the Association extends its tribute to their families, friends, and fellow officers, who continue to cherish their heroic legacies," Chapman said. "We look forward to your presence at this solemn occasion."