Above / The intersection of Washington Street and School Street is graced with a new sign, designating School Street between Washington and Ellsworth streets as “Chief Robert Worthel Memorial Way.”
About 20 years ago, Captain Jon Ripsky, now retired from the Naperville Police Department, told us the tragic story about Naperville Chief Police Robert Worthel who was killed while serving in 1927. At the time, Ripsky noted he was recounting the story told to him by his father, Michael Ripsky, who also had served the NPD from 1941 to 1961.
What’s more, during annual memorial presentations outside the Naperville Police Department every May since 2001, attendees are reminded that only one individual, Chief Robert Worthel, is listed under the heading “Killed in the Line of Duty.”
Then during a recent City Council meeting, we observed approval of a resolution designating School Street between Washington and Ellsworth streets as “Chief Robert Worthel Memorial Way.”
As folks gathered for the ceremony to designate the intersection at Washington Street and School Street in honor of Chief Robert Worthel on September 24, we were happy to connect again with Jon Ripsky who also attended the special event.
—PN
Chief of Police Robert Worthel Remembrance Ceremony
September 24 is the anniversary of the day in 1927 when Naperville Chief of Police Robert Worthel gave the ultimate sacrifice. Back then, Naperville was a city with a population of 4,500 and six men served on the police force. Worthel had assumed his duties as Naperville Chief of Police four months earlier in May.
To honor Worthel’s service and sacrifice, the Naperville Police Department planned the remembrance ceremony on the 92nd anniversary of his death on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, near the intersection of Washington Street and School Street. The ceremony began with the entrance of Naperville Police Department Honor Guard, Pipes and Drums and Police Motorcycles along Washington Street.
Dozens of police officers, first responders, Mayor Steve Chirico, Naperville Police Chief Bob Marshall, Naperville Fire Chief Mark Puknaitis and eight descendants of Robert Worthel attended the ceremony in front of Washington Junior High School.
According to Commander Jason Stubler who presided over the ceremony, Chief Worthel was responding to an armed robbery call when the motorcycle he was driving struck a vehicle that turned in front of him at the intersection of Washington and School streets. Chief Worthel had served with the Naperville Police Department for five years and is the only member of the Naperville Police Department to have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The ceremony included remarks by Chief Marshall and Elizabeth Michalec of Romeoville spoke in memory of her grandfather and on behalf of other relatives of Chief Worthel in attendance.
With a notebook of saved newspaper articles and other keepsakes, Michalec provided thoughts that were passed down from her mother about her grandfather’s service in World War I and on the Naperville Police Department.
In addition, Tommy Capell, president of Saving A Hero’s Place, presented an “honor chair” from the nonprofit organization located in Texas. Going forward, the wooden hand-crafted chair will “save a hero’s place” in the Roll Call Room at the Naperville Police Department to serve as a reminder to all officers that the department’s fallen member is always with them.
After the ceremony, Chief Marshall added that he was pleased his department made the tribute happen, “especially for the family. It was long overdue.”
Chief Robert Worthel Memorial Way
On September 3, 2019, the Naperville City Council approved a resolution designating School Street between Washington and Ellsworth streets as “Chief Robert Worthel Memorial Way.” Permanent signage has been installed at the intersection of Washington and School streets and was visible during the remembrance ceremony on September 24.
