North Aurora police Sgt. Travis Foltz waits to walk the floral wreath to the memorial outside Mooseheart's House of God chapel at the conclusion of the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association's Law Enforcement Appreciation ceremony Wednesday in Batavia.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Ceremony recognizes lives of 12 who died while serving Kane County
A few hundred police officers from throughout Kane County gathered Wednesday night to honor the sacrifices made by other officers, who died as a result of their jobs.
The annual rite by the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association at Mooseheart's House of God chapel featured a candlelight vigil, honor guards, a gun salute and pipe and drum units.
"This year is probably the largest contingent I've seen in the 15 years I've been coming to it. There were a lot officers here today," said Kane County sheriff's Lt. Patrick Gengler.
The guest speaker was Karen Koch, a retired police officer who directs the forensic psychology program at Adler University in Chicago.
Koch also volunteers to help injured Chicago Police Department officers, through the Chicago Police Survivors support group.
"Not only are we here today to honor those that have preceded us to the roll call in the sky, but also to honor the living," Koch said in a heartfelt speech to the officers and families in attendance.
According to the national Officer Down Memorial Page, 12 officers in Kane County have died on the job or as a result of injuries sustained while working.
One drowned while trying to rescue someone. Five were shot. Three were killed in crashes, and two suffered heart attacks. One was hit by a vehicle.
The Kane County Board has declared May 15 to 22 Police Week, as part of the National Police Week.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.comThe Kane County Chiefs of Police Association's Law Enforcement Appreciation ceremony is brought to a close outside Mooseheart's House of God chapel in Batavia Wednesday.
Pingree Grove Police Sgt. Chris Harris lights a candle for his department during the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association's Law Enforcement Appreciation ceremony at Mooseheart's House of God chapel in Batavia Wednesday.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Aurora Police Commander Keith Cross and fellow officers from surrounding communities bow their heads in prayer during the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association's Law Enforcement Appreciation ceremony at Mooseheart's House of God chapel in Batavia Wednesday.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.comKane County Sheriff Corrections Deputy Janel Davis salutes with fellow officers during the gun salute at the end of the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association's Law Enforcement Appreciation ceremony in Batavia Wednesday.
State troopers hold their hands over their hearts during the national anthem at the start of the ceremony.
Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com