On a recent Saturday morning, a crowd gathered at the corner of 68th and Pulaski to unveil a mural honoring three Chicago police officers killed in the line of duty.
Neighbors joined Gold Star families, members of the Eighth District Police Department, CPD Mounted Patrol Unit, CPD Motorcycle Unit, CPD Soccer Club, CPD Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Chicago Fire Department (Truck 31), Ald Silvana Tabares (23rd), Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th), Greater Southwest Development Corp, SSA 13 and the Hubbard High School Drum and Bugle Line in paying homage to three local policemen who lost their lives protecting its citizens by dedicating a beautiful mural in their honor.
The mural, titled a Lasting Legacy, portrays Officers Luis Huesca, Andres Vasquez Lasso and Enrique Martinez and is emblazoned on the south side of ChiCity Graphics and Sports at the corner of 68th Street and Pulaski Road.
The huge mural, done in her signature blue, white and yellow color scheme, was created by artist Anna Murphy. Her paintings are on buildings throughout the Chicago region. Nearby works can be seen at Ping Tom Park in “Between the Mountains and the Water” and on the walls of the viaducts at both 63rd and 67th streets and Central Park Avenue.
Ald. Tabares opened the day’s ceremonies by asking for a moment of silence for the fallen officers and then thanking the community for coming out to support the mural unveiling. She was followed by many who praised the officers’ bravery and commitment.
Directing his comments to the officers’ families, Chicago Lawn 8th District Commander Bryan Spreyne said, “While we know we can never replace the empty chair at your dinner table, we want you to know we will always be here to support you.”
Officer Luis Huesca lived in Gage Park. He was 30 years old and a 6-year veteran of the force. He loved cooking and initially wanted to be a chef and own his own restaurant but the desire to serve and protect won out. In 2024, the Illinois Harley Davidson Club rode with CPD officers on a Memorial Ride and Fundraiser for Officer Huesca. With their kickstands up, they biked from Countryside to Palos Heights, stopping by his Gage Park home on the way.
At 32 years old, Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso was a 5-year veteran of the force. He was an immigrant who came here from Columbia, became a citizen and then a police officer. Those who knew him said he was always smiling and passionate about his work. He dreamed of becoming a detective one day. In March of 2024 the 3600 block of West Marquette Road was dedicated “Honorary Andres M. Vasquez Lasso Road.’
Officer Enrique Martinez was 26 years old and a 3-year veteran of the force. He grew up attending St. Nicholas of Tolentine Grammar School and Hubbard High School. He had been recently engaged to his high school sweetheart. Hubbard Band Director Bryan Espinosa knew Enrique when he was a student and remembers him as a natural leader, a member of the Junior ROTC, and as Commander of Hubbard’s Drum and Bugle Corp.
“When his sister Angelica followed in his footsteps joining the Corp., he always came to support her and hear her play,” he said.
On what would have been his 28th birthday, the block he grew up on was dedicated as “Honorary Enrique Martinez Avenue.”
Traffic slowed on Pulaski during the event and came almost to a halt as the Chicago Police Department Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society ended the dedication with their moving rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
