On every marked police patrol cruiser in Illinois is the saying, “To protect and serve.” The police officers gathered around the Police Memorial Statue at the Capitol building May 5 know the price of protecting and serving their communities better than most.
Police officers from around the state began their tribute to fallen heroes by driving from the State Fairgrounds to the Capitol building with a looping route around downtown Springfield, emergency lights flashing. The motorcade included modern police cruisers, motorcycles and patrol cars from past decades.
The procession concluded at the Police Memorial Statue on the east side of Capitol. There, the solemn event included police bagpipes and drums, guest speakers, and a reading of the names of officers lost in the line of duty.