Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso and Milena in happier times. --Supplied photo

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By Joan Hadac

Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge

(708) 496-0265 • joan.hadac@gmail.com

Like most in Clearing and Garfield Ridge, I was stunned and saddened by news of the death of Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso.

Perhaps it’s because I have relatives who are CPD. Perhaps it’s because as a wife, I empathize with Milena’s grief. Perhaps it’s because I’m a mom; and at my age these days, Officer Andrés was young enough to be my son.

Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso and Milena in happier times. –Supplied photo

He was someone’s son, brother, husband, friend.

He died doing what he was supposed to: interrupting a domestic situation that easily could have turned deadly for accused murderer Steven Montano’s girlfriend.

It also could have turned deadly for the 5- and 6-year-old boys and girls out on the Sawyer School playground Montano ran through, moments before he shot Officer Andrés. They knew it too, as they screamed and hid for cover under playground equipment.

Please remember his name. If you will, please go above and beyond to show some kindness to someone in need today. Do it in his name: Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso.

Mark your calendar

  • Two Holy Martyrs Parish is hosting its final Lenten fish fry of the season from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 24 at the Sharp Center, 5940 W. 62nd St. Dine in and enjoy good fellowship with your neighbors or choose the carryout option. Want to see the menu with prices? Check out the image below..
Joan Hadac
  • Mark your calendar now for Breakfast With the Easter Bunny, set for 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 2 at the Rhine VFW Post 2729, 5858 S. Archer. Admission is $11 for adults, $5 for children age 3 and up, and no charge for kids under age 3. The meal is all-you-can-eat pancakes, as well as sausage, scrambled eggs, juice, coffee and desserts. There will be raffles, and each child will receive a modest gift.
  • Join the Clear-Ridge Historical Society and Chicago history author John Schmidt for a trip down memory “lane” as they present “The History of Bowling in Chicago” on Wednesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at the Clearing Branch Library, 6423 West 63rd Place.  Learn about the history of your favorite pastime and hear stories from some local bowling greats. Whether you are an avid bowler or just an occasional bowler chances are you’ve visited some of the old bowling alleys around the city or suburbs. Hear about some old memories or share some of your own.

    • That’s it for this week. I’m feeling under the weather. Plus, It’s a challenge to focus when I’m still thinking of the loss of Officer Andrés.