SPRINGFIELD – To pay their respects to fallen officers and their families, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus attended the Illinois State Police Officers Memorial in Springfield.

“As we gather today to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities, let us also remember the families they have left behind,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Their strength and resilience are a testament to the enduring legacy of these Illinois State Police officers, who will forever be remembered for their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.”

The ceremony is held at the Illinois State Police Officers Memorial located on the west lawn of the State Capitol. It bears the names of the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. It was first dedicated in 1990, and a ceremony is held each year to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. The names of every officer who died while serving during the previous year are engraved in the monument leading up to the ceremony.

“On this day my sympathies and prayers are with the families of the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It’s humbling to have a reminder of the bravery of those who have given their lives to protect our communities. We should never let their sacrifices be forgotten.”

A memorial service is held annually to honor the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who serve the state of Illinois. Thursday’s ceremony honored 12 men and women killed in the line of duty from late 2021 through April 2022.

“As we gathered together to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, let us also remember their families and loved ones who continue to carry their legacy forward,” said State Senator Javier Cervantes (D-Chicago). “We owe them a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay.”

A full list of 2023 honorees can be found here.