Slain Chicago officer's services to be in Des Plaines
Cardinal Blase Cupich will be the main celebrant for the funeral of slain Chicago Police Officer Samuel Jimenez, and Des Plaines police are anticipating heavy traffic for both the Sunday wake and Monday funeral procession in their city.
The wake will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines. Jimenez's funeral will be 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26, in the St. Joseph Chapel at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine on the Maryville Academy campus, 1170 N. River Road, Des Plaines. Archdiocese of Chicago officials said Jimenez regularly attended Mass at the shrine with his family.
The Des Plaines Police Department sent a letter to residents living near Oehler Funeral Home advising of extremely heavy traffic around the hours of Sunday's wake, as well as from the vehicle procession expected to leave for the funeral between 9 and 11 a.m. Monday.
"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you over this holiday weekend and trust that you will understand our desire for your patience during this difficult time," the letter reads. "The Des Plaines Police Department will do everything possible to assist in making sure you and your families are inconvenienced as little as possible; however, there will be hundreds of vehicles traveling to Oehler's, likely causing delays."
Des Plaines police also announced road closures that will start at 7 a.m. Monday and run through the end of the funeral Mass: Central Road between Wolf and River roads and one southbound lane of River Road between Central Road and Quigley Drive.
Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to call the department's watch commander at (847) 391-5430.
"Again, thank you for your patience and understanding as our community mourns the loss of a true hero," the letter concludes.
The concelebrant of the funeral, accompanying Cupich, will be the Rev. Dan Brandt, chaplain of the Chicago Police Department.
Jimenez, 28, was shot and killed Nov. 19 at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, as were two hospital employees. The accused gunman killed himself after being shot by police.