Lyons honors fallen at Cook County peace officers memorial ceremony 

Lyons Mayor Chris Getty welcomed law enforcement officers, families of the fallen, and community members to the Cook County Peace Officers Memorial Foundation’s 25th annual ceremony Friday, pledging the village’s continued commitment to honoring those who died in the line of duty. 

“We stand as a grateful community that understands freedom, safety, and peace are protected by people willing to serve, even when that service comes at great risk,” Getty said. 

The ceremony, held on the grounds where a permanent memorial is planned, brought together officers from federal, state, county, and local agencies across Cook County. Pastor Joseph Mills III of Westchester Community Church opened the gathering with an invocation that acknowledged the weight of sacrifice — citing officers killed by gunfire,  automobile accidents, and more who died in direct connection to the Sept. 11 attacks. 

“We gather today to remember two vibrant, good public servants,” Mills said, “and we remember four from over 100 years ago that because of the caring and the research of others, has brought us here to remember and to give thanks for their service.” 

Edward T. Sajdak, president and founder of the Peace Officers Memorial Foundation, said the organization has made significant progress toward building the permanent memorial on county forest preserve land in Lyons. A Cook County resolution passed previously designated May 10 as Peace Officer Day and authorized the foundation to construct the memorial. 

“Our biggest obstacle, so to speak, going forward now will be completing our fundraising,” Sajdak said. “We’re making great progress, but we need to complete this, and the sooner that we’re able to do so, the sooner we’ll be able to go forward with the construction of that memorial.” 

The foundation is close to finalizing an agreement with Cook County Forest Preserve District and Cook County Board officials, Sajdak said. An architect’s rendering of the memorial design was on display at the ceremony. 

Getty emphasized that supporting law enforcement extends beyond words. 

“It means respecting the men and women who answer the call. It means recognizing the burdens they carry. It means standing with their families,” Getty said. “And it means teaching future generations that the peace we enjoy is never guaranteed. It is protected by sacrifice, courage, and service.” 

The ceremony also recognized firefighters from the Lyons and McCook fire departments, acknowledging the shared dangers faced by first responders. 

“Just as police officers and firefighters work side by side each and every day, facing dangers, big and small,” Sajdak said, “we are appreciative of their support and their presence here today.” 

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart attended the ceremony, and a sheriff’s air unit conducted a flyover. The Cook County Forest Preserve District, the Village of Lyons Public Works Department, and multiple police agencies assisted with the motorcade and logistics. 

The foundation’s keynote speaker was John Gordon, director of business development at National Police Federal Credit Union and founder of the Michael P. Gordon Memorial Foundation, established in honor of his brother, Chicago Police Officer Michael Gordon, who was killed in 2004.