Shorewood Police Officer 'Has Lost His Courageous Battle With Cancer Today'

SHOREWOOD, IL — The Shorewood Police Department issued the following announcement on Friday evening, letting everyone know that Officer Jeff Calafos has died following his battle against cancer.

"It is with profound sadness we must announce that our brother, Officer Jeff Calafos, has lost his courageous battle with cancer today. We are comforted, however, knowing that through his strong Christian faith, Jeff will live forever in the Kingdom of his Heavenly Father," Shorewood Police announced on Facebook.

The Facebook bulletin went on to say:

"Officer Calafos humbly served as a police officer for 7 years at the Hampstead, Maryland Police Department, 1 year at the Oak Brook Terrace Police Department and for the last 19 years with the Shorewood Police Department. Jeff’s wisdom, logic and genuine care for the community exemplified the traits that every law enforcement officer should have. His ability to remain calm during high stress incidents balanced with his witty sense of humor was the perfect blend any officer would want in their partner. Jeff was a teacher of many. As our school liaison officer, he stood up ALICE response protocols in every Shorewood school and spent the better part of his career facilitating Safe Schools efforts alongside our area educators.

"Jeff helped shape the face of the Shorewood Police Department, as he trained nearly 40 percent of our current officers in his role as a Field Training Officer. He’s also been an instrumental use of force trainer in his roles as a Range Master and our primary Taser instructor.We thank Officer Calafos for his dedication, loyalty, and service to the citizens of Shorewood. He influenced many with his unending compassion, respect for all people, and service in many facets of law enforcement. All he served with will forever remember his impact on their lives.Jeff’s wife, Roxanna and their children, Sophia and Lucas will forever be a part of the Shorewood Police Department family.

"Officer Jeffrey Calafos, may you rest in peace knowing your strength lives on in your family, and your honor lives on in all of us. Your brothers and sisters will continue to serve proudly in your honor. You fought a courageous battle…Rest in Peace now. You are 10-42.

"Jeff was a dedicated member of the Harvest New Beginnings Church in Oswego, IL where final arrangements for Christian burial will be arranged by the Bauman Family Funeral Home."