Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The first Thursday of May means the Illinois police memorial service in Springfield.

Thursday’s ceremony, moved indoors to the Illinois State Library because of the weather, honored nine officers killed in the line of duty in 2024. And something new has been added: K-9 memorials. The ceremony honored three from 2024 and eighteen from past years.

“I’ve been told that when you love an officer, part of you accepts that the shadow of loss is never too far away,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, “but I don’t think anyone can truly prepare for the moment when a light you cherish goes dark for the last time.”

Comptroller Susana Mendoza recognized Chicago Off. Melissa Torres, who recently took her own life. But Mendoza also used some of her time at the microphone to criticize portions of the Safe-T Act seen as favoring criminals over cops. That got her some applause from the crowd, but also some criticism on social media – including from a fellow elected Democrat. State Sen. Robert Peters (D-Chicago) said her remarks were in poor taste, calling her “MAGA Mendoza.”

This year’s honorees:

Deputy Christina Musil, DeKalb Co Sheriff’s Dept
Sgt Andrew Faught, IL Dept of Corrections
Off Luis Huesca, Chicago PD
Deputy Rafael Wordlaw, Cook Co Dept of Corrections
Off James Crowley, Chicago PD
Trooper Corey Thompsen, ISP
Off Enrique Martinez, Chicago PD
Det Allan Reddins, Oak Park PD
Trooper Clay Carns, ISP

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