Mike Cerf looked toward the skies and said this was going to be a good day.
Cerf, who has been an Oak Lawn resident off and on since 1971, was delighted that they did not have to deal with a steady drizzle like last year for the 11th annual Blue Ribbon Walk held Saturday at Lake Shore Park.
“We always get at least 120 to 140 people out here every year,” said Cerf, who organizes the annual event to honor first responders. “Hopefully, we have a real fine turnout this year.”
Cerf came up with the idea to hold the walk to not only honor but recognize the dedication of police officers and firefighters who go to work each day. He believed that often residents take for granted what first responders have to go through. He also thought specifically that the police were often unfairly maligned.
The walk drew another large crowd that included members of the Oak Lawn Raiders athletic organization, who assisted by cooking hamburgers on the grill.
Volunteers also were selling T-shirts and hats offering support to police. Most of the proceeds go to the first responders.
The walk organizers said that with the shooting death of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera on the night of June 5, some of the funds collected from the event will go directly to her family.
A moment of silence was held in memory of the late officer.
Oak Lawn native Katie Sullivan performed a variety of popular songs before the walk, including the national anthem. Cerf thanked residents, community leaders, scouts, and first responders for attending the event.
Members of the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220 Color Guard also attended the event.
“I remember the first time we did this and I went over to Freshline that was open back then,” recalled Cerf. “I bought some food and we did a little grilling. That was it. Since then, we have had many other food stores donating. After the first year, the Raiders volunteered to help and I joined them. It has really grown from that first year.”
Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer spoke before the walk and thanked Cerf for all his work to honor the police and firefighters.
“I remember Mike when he was very young,” Vorderer said. “I want to thank him for this and all he does for the first responders. We know very well they have a tough job and this community knows that and that’s why they are out here.”
A blue ribbon was tied to two trees just before the event and was taken down for a large procession of residents, community and political leaders, families, police and firefighters who walked along the creek and through the nearby neighborhood before returning back to the park.
Taking part in the walk were Police Chief Daniel Vittorio and Oak Lawn Trustee Ralph Soch (6th).
After returning to Lake Shore Park, guests were treated to hamburgers, various treats and refreshments. Included as a prize was five pounds of World’s Finest Chocolates.
Cerf liked the fact that residents and community leaders stayed to interact with each other. But he quickly reminded everyone why they were there.
“If it weren’t for the first responders, our community would not be as safe,” Cerf said.
