Police who lost their lives honored at Waukegan memorial event

Wet and chilly weather Friday could not keep nearly 100 people and police officers away from the Lake County Police Memorial at Lincoln Plaza in Waukegan.

The annual event at the courthouse honors law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The ceremony honored the 17 police officers from Lake County killed in the line of duty since 1915. It also honored thousands of officers who lay their life on the line while wearing a law enforcement badge every day.

Sheriff Mark Curran said he was honored to salute police officers all over the nation.

"It's not an accident Lake County is safe," Curran said. "In Lake County, we stand with law enforcement."

In addition to Curran, speakers at the 30-minute event included Chief Wayne Walles of the Waukegan Police Department, Gurnee Police Chief Kevin Woodside, who also serves as President of the Lake County Chiefs of Police, State's Attorney Michael Nerheim, and County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor,

"On behalf of the Lake County state's attorneys office, we want you to know how much we appreciate the sacrifices you make," Nerheim said to the officers.