UPDATED POST 2015 / Citizens Appreciate Public Safety will host their annual CAPS Dinner in the Pavilion at Meson Sabika beginning at 6:30PM Thurs., May 14.
Original Post 2012 / The Peace Officer Memorial Observance is an annual service to recognize and memorialize those peace officers across the nation who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty.
In Naperville, the observance to remember their loved ones as well was held Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at the Public Safety Center, located at 1350 Aurora Ave.
Under glorious blue skies with winds that freely waved the flags of the city, state and nation raised at half staff, Naperville Police Chief David Dial and his department hosted the observance that attracted dozens of members of police and fire departments from throughout DuPage County.
After the welcome from Chief Dial and Mayor George Pradel, Naperville Firefighter Paramedic William Croft sang the National Anthem.
Amid the prayers and devotionals, the large gathering learned from Chaplain Lee Iseley that since record-keeping began 220 years ago, 19,000 law enforcement officers have given their lives while serving. In 2011, 166 officers were identified as having made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in America. To date in 2012, 36 officers have died in the line of duty.
During the ceremony all 17 officers who have “served with the greatest sacrifice of life” in DuPage County since 1918 were recognized. A multi-jurisdictional police honor guard conducted the official flag and wreath presentation that included a rose for every fallen DuPage County Police Officer, a group that included Robert Worthel who died serving Naperville on Sept. 24, 1927.
A special musical selection was performed by guitarist Alec Kapicak and singer Claire Leitzen of Naperville Central High School.
The observance concluded with the playing of “Amazing Grace” by the Pipes and Drums of the Naperville Police Department Honor Guard and “Taps” by David Mackey of Boy Scout Troop 8.
Mayor A. George Pradel, Naperville City Council members, Chief Dial and members of his department, past and present members of the Naperville Board of Fire and Police Commissioners as well as members from the DuPage Chiefs of Police Association, the Naperville Police Association of Chaplains and many members of the public attended the observance.
After the tributes, Chief Dial paused for photos during his final week as Naperville Police Chief prior to the swearing in of Bob Marshall at 5PM, Fri., May 18, 2012, in City Council Chambers.
“I wanted to do this,” said Dial, noting the Peace Officer’s Observance has been held annually, but not usually DuPage County wide. “And I’m looking forward to Friday’s event when I will serve as Past Police Chief.”
The words of Chaplin Donald Limmer, “To be free, do what’s right,” will continue to resonate long after his remarks during this time to honor and remember America’s heroes of law enforcement.
