Fallen police officers honored during memorial service in Elgin

Elgin police and community members gathered on Wednesday for a memorial service to honor officers who died in the line of duty in the past year and to show appreciation for those serving every day.

“The daily sacrifices that law enforcement officers make are ones that are made with a willingness and desire to serve and protect and make the community safe,” Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said.

Nationally, 138 officers died in the line of duty in 2023, and 58 so far this year.

“When these tragedies occur, it is the care, the love and support that is given by friends, families and a community that provides strength and courage for their loved ones who are forever changed beyond comprehension,” Lalley said.

Lalley read the names of each of the five Illinois officers who have died in the line of duty since 2023, followed by a moment of silence to honor their sacrifice.

Debbie Wiseman, president of Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors, spoke about the importance of events like Wednesday’s service and community support after the death of an officer.

Her brother, Iowa State Patrol trooper Mark Toney, was killed in a car accident during a high-speed chase while on duty on Sept. 20, 2011.

“On that day, I became a part of a club that no one wants to be a part of — a family survivor,” she said.

She said the outpouring of support from the law enforcement community and the public helped her family through the “horrible” time.

“Please do not ever underestimate the power of just being there for survivors,” she said. “Knowing that there was support out there for whatever we needed was a boost that we didn’t even know we needed.”

Illinois Concerns of Police Survivors provides resources to assist in the rebuilding of the lives of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

The memorial service also featured a rendition of the national anthem on guitar by Detective Craig Tucker, a candle-lighting ceremony, the placement of a wreath, a firing detail and the playing of taps to honor fallen officers.

Lalley thanked the officers in her department and their families for the sacrifices they make daily.

“The men and women who serve this community are true professionals dedicated each day to making the department and the community the best it can be,” she said.