02 DEC 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt is joined by retired PO Mike Simi, Edison Park Chamber of Commerce director Amanda Harres, and a former Chicago Mayor, to greet Santa. A good time was had by all 1,500 attendees.

 
 
29 NOV 2023: Congratulations to PO Jake Schmeisser (005), one of this year’s Carter Harrison Award. Thanks, Jake and partners, for your valiant service and for making CPD proud!

 
 
 
 
 

21 NOV 2023: In a special ceremony at CPD Headquarters, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling presents quilts to several injured officers. These quilts were hand-crafted by volunteers representing QUILTS FOR COPS, a charitable organization supporting law enforcement. Each quilt can take up to 40 hours to assemble and sew, which proves that there are a lot of people out there who truly love and appreciate the police.

 
 
 
11 NOV 2023: CPD Chief Steve Chung joins some friends at the Asian-American Law Enforcement Association's 40th anniversary gala in Rosemont. Thank you to AALEA for all the good you do!

 
10 NOV 2023: "Father" John Catanzara and Fr. Dan Brandt enjoy the German American Police Association's annual gala. Now the question: which of these two clerics should offer the invocation?

 
 
10 NOV 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt poses with CPD retiree Fred Lowe at the German-American Police Association gala. A good time was had by all! ...And then Art, Dianne, Elias and John showed up.

 
 
 
 
 
05 NOV 2023: A blue Mass was held at St. Gianna Parish in Evergreen Park. Thank you to the CPD Honor Guard and Pipes/Drums for helping make this event all the more special!

02 NOV 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt has the pleasure of bumping into officers Enzo Cabrera, Adan Pedroza and Mike Carrasco while they were taking a 29-minute lunch break in Pilsen. God bless these guys AND ALL OF YOU for doing God's work!

 
 
23 Oct 2023: Chicago Police Officer Michael Silius received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops, presented by Rev. Dr. Kimberly Lewis-Davis of the CPD Chaplains Unit. On 04 Aug 2023: Officer Michael Silius and other officers were attempting to place an offender into custody at which point the offender began punching and kicking Officer Silius. Officer Silius was accidentally tased while struggling with the offender. Officer Silius suffered injuries to his back and foot while in the performance of his tour of duty.

 
 
 
19 Oct 2023: Chicago Police Officer Alyssa Grimes and Officer Matthew Bos was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Bob Montelongo and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 09 Sep 2023: Officer Grimes and Officer Bos were responding to an emergency call with their lights and sirens activated, when a vehicle traveling at a high rated speed, struck the police vehicle at the intersection of 63rd and Kildare. Both officers suffered injuries while in the performance of their duties.

   
  

On 11 OCT 2023, we dedicated a new sculpture honoring canine and equine members of the Chicago Police Department who have died in the line of duty.

07 OCT 2023: PO Danny Golden marries Casey, the love of his life, at Holy Family Catholic Church. A packed church shared a common prayer: May you two live together to a happy old age! Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Golden.

30 SEP 2023: CBS Channel 2 reporter Suzanne LeMignot and Fr. Dan Brandt co-emcee the Brotherhood for the Fallen's annual Blue Tie Gala in Rosemont. Hundreds gathered to raise funds for a most worthy cause. PO Carlos Yanez Jr. was the evening's keynote speaker.

 
 
17 AUG 2023: The Asian-American Law Enforcement Association hosted a golf outing at Klein Creek Golf Course in Winfield. A good time was had by all!

 
 
13 AUG 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt is serenaded with happy birthday wishes on-stage by members of the 016th District and a crowd of onlookers at the 2023 Edison Park Fest and an invocation followed the birthday celebration.

  

07 AUG 2023: Chaplains Hysni Selenica and Fr. Dan Brandt participate in a memorial service at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park, marking the two-year anniversary of Ella French's murder. Hundreds attended to remind the French Family that Ella will NEVER be forgotten.

 
 
 
 
01 AUG 2023: Lots of fun to be had at the Quilts For Cops booth at National Night Out in the 016th district! National Night Out is a CPD-sponsored gathering of the community to support local businesses, charities and other organizations. It is also a chance to meet your politicians and strengthen ties with your neighbors.

At 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, 02 JUL, hundreds gathered at Belmont and Western to memorialize PO Richard Francis. This is our 15th year doing so at the exact time and place where Rick’s life was taken from us in 2008. Here I am joined by Officers Dan Wytrzyszczewski (common spelling), Alfredo Aranda, Joanna Tys, and Psyenne Kallenborn.

17 June 2023: Chicago Police 016th District Commander Heather Daniel and retired Commander Marc Buslik dropped off some fresh assorted cookies from Palermo Barkey at the Quilts for Cops meeting in the 016th District Community Room. Marc Buslik and Chaplain Hysni Selenica made way to the cookies right away as Oliver (below) observes. Commander Daniel officially became part of the team after receiving her Quilts for Cops apron.

Thank you, Commander Daniel and Retired Commander Buslik, for your generosity and support. Thanks to all the quilters with Quilts for Cops for your dedication and love you put into these handmade quilts, for our injured officers.

   

14 June 2023: Chicago Police Officer Edgar Rojas was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Robert Montelongo on behalf of Quilts for Cops. Chaplain Montelongo is trying to manage his hydration intake, after finding self-service drink cart. On 24 March 2023: Officer Rojas and his partner Officer Vhora were responding to a call of a person with a gun. As they were going through the intersection of 6900 S. Racine, with the police vehicle lights and sirens active. A car stopped to yield to the emergency vehicle. At which point a vehicle speed around the stopped car and striking the police vehicle in the intersection. Both officers were injured due to the impact of the auto crash.

   

12 June 2023: Chicago Police Officer Andrew Kramer and Officer Francisco Perez received a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 22 May 2023: Officer Kramer and Officer Perez were conducting a traffic stop when their police vehicle was struck by a car. The impact caused their vehicle to cross traffic and was stuck by another vehicle.

11 June 2023: Chicago Police Officer Abdul-Aziz Vhora was presented a handmade quilt by Lt. Keith Rigan on behalf of Quilts for Cops. 24 March 2023: Officer Vhora and his partner Officer Rojas were responding to a call of a person with a gun. As they were going through the intersection of 6900 S. Racine, with the police vehicle lights and sirens active. A car stopped to yield to the emergency vehicle. At which point a vehicle speed around the stopped car and striking the police vehicle in the intersection. Both officers were injured due to the impact of the auto crash.

10 JUN 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt has the pleasure of hanging with Sgt. John Curry and his brother, Explosives Tech Mike Curry, on the happy occasion of a family graduation party. The cumulative IQ of these three is about 40.

08 JUN 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt had the privilege of blessing the new home of PPO Alex Rodriguez. He and his lovely wife are seen here after we asked God’s protection over their beautiful residence.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
04 JUN 2023: Mother Nature blessed us with a beautiful day for our annual luncheon cruise aboard the Spirit of Chicago. We filled the ship with Gold Star Family members, who had a wonderful opportunity to enjoy each other's support, friendship and love.

Thanks to all our supporters who make these trips possible!

   

03 JUN 2023: The Police Council of the Knights of Columbus gathered at St. Francis Borgia Parish parking lot 8033 W. Addison Street on the northwest side for an outdoor Mass and blessing of bikes. Mother Nature agreed and a lovely meal followed. God bless the KC's for all the good they do!

29 MAY 2023: Thanks to PO Gary Sanabria for his invitation for the Chaplains to attend a Memorial Day barbeque at his home. What a lovely family. God bless America!

26 MAY 2023: Congratulations to new Lieutenant Butch DeFelice (and all your classmates)! May God continue to bless you in this new role.

23 MAY 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt had the pleasure of meeting with the board of directors of the Scandinavian-American Police/Fire Association. As they say, “TALTAV: Take A Liking To A Viking!” How could you not?!?!

 
 
 
 
30 APR 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt, #ChicagoPolice Chaplain, presided over a “Blue Mass” for First Responders at Immaculate Conception Church, in recognition and appreciation of the active and retired men and women who place their lives on the line to ensure our safety and security every day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28 APR 2023: The names of four heroes were added to the Chicago Police Memorial Wall at Gold Star Families Memorial and Park: Jose Huerta, Joseph Tripoli, James Svec and Andres Vasquez Lasso. May they rest in peace.

19 APR 2023: On our regular Wednesday rounds through the districts, we stumbled upon an old friend, Sgt. Jim Gochee, keeping the streets of 009th District COMPLETELY crime-free!

 
 
 
15 APR 2023: Retired Chicago Police Commander Marc Buslik gave a generous donation of $1000 to Quilts for Cops - Chicago, during their monthly gathering in the 016th District community room. The 016th District Commander Heather Daniels helped present the check in front of all the quilters. The donation was received with appreciation by Chaplain Hysni Selenica and retired evidence technician and coordinator of the Quilts for Cops - Chicago Chapter Marla Margelewski.

 
 
15 APR 2023: CPD civilian Anastasia DeLoe donated a large amount of quilting fabric during the April gathering for Quilts for Cops in the 016th District community room. The quilters gathered around the table shorting out the fabrics. From right to left: Anastasia DeLeo, Marla Margelewski and Cathy Cisko.

 
 
12 APR 2023: Chicago Police Officer Nicolas Morales received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. Chaplain Robert Montelongo presented on behalf of Quilts for Cops using Officer Morales' walker in hope to draw sympathy to receive his own quilt. On 24 Feb 2023: Officer Morales and his partner Officer Jauregui were responding to a call of a stolen vehicle. As they were traveling on 72nd St. with the emergency equipment on. A Vehicle was attempting a U-turn in which caused their police vehicle to swerve and stuck a tree. Both officers were injured while in the performance of their tour of duty.

11 APR 2023: Chicago Police Officer Hannah Goldstein received a handmade quilt, presented by Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis and Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 13 Mar 2023: Officer Goldstein and her partner Officer McCraney were going through the intersection at 38th and Cottage Grove Ave. when a vehicle traveling at a high rated speed disregard the stop sign. The vehicle struck their police car and the impact pushed their vehicle into a wall. All occupants of the striking vehicle fled the scene on foot and was latter apprehended. The striking vehicle was reported stolen.

 
 
11 APR 2023: Chicago Police Officer Felipe Ulloa received a handmade quilt, presented by Chaplain Robert Montelongo and Chaplain Joseph Jackson on behalf of Quilts for Cops. Chaplain Montelongo poses with officer Ulloa's crunches in hope of a quilt. On 17 Mar 2023: Officer Ulloa and his partner located a wanted vehicle for an aggravated battery to a police officer. In the area of 1198 S. Lake Shore Dr. Officer Ulloa approached the wanted vehicle on foot. At this point the the vehicle quickly backed up and struck Officer Ulloa. The offending vehicle then fled the scene weaving in and out of traffic.

11 APR 2023: Chicago Police Officer McCraney received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. On 13 Mar 2023: Officer McCraney and his partner Officer Goldstein were going through the intersection at 38th and Cottage Grove Ave. when a vehicle traveling at a high rated speed disregard the stop sign. The vehicle struck their police car and the impact pushed their vehicle into a wall. All occupants of the striking vehicle fled the scene on foot and was latter apprehended. The striking vehicle was reported stolen.

26 Mar 2023: Chicago Police Officer Brayan Jauregui received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. Chaplains Rabbi Moshe Wolf and Hysni Selenica presented on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 24 Feb 2023: Officer Jauregui and his partner Officer Morales were responding to a call of a stolen vehicle. As they were traveling on 72nd St. with the emergency equipment on. A Vehicle was attempting a U-turn in which caused their police vehicle to swerve and stuck a tree. Both officers were injured while in the performance of their tour of duty.

 
 

12 MAR 2023: Fr. Dan Brandt has the honor of serving alongside the other CPD and CFD Chaplains as Grand Marshal of the South Side Irish Parade. Tens of thousands gathered that day to honor this 45-year tradition. Erin go braugh!

God bless PO Andres Vasquez Lasso, end of watch 01 MAR 2023. Thanks to our friends from Oak Lawn and all throughout the city and suburbs for your outpouring of love, prayers and support during a difficult time for CPD.

 
 
 
 
07 MAR 2023: Chicago Police Officer Bethany Salgado and Officer Anthony Rodriguez received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops, presented by Chaplain Hysni Selenica and Officer Anthony "Tony" Ciaravino (running for Alderman of the 11th Ward). On 22 January 2022 Officer Salgado and Officer Rodriguez were on patrol in a marked police car. A vehicle traveling at a high rated speed stuck their vehicle at the intersection of 63rd and Pulaski. One of the offenders of the striking vehicle fled on foot and three other passengers remained on scene due to injuries. The striking vehicle was found out to be stolen in a carjacking.

07 MAR 2023: Chicago Police Officer Aubrey Webb received a handmade quilt by Quilts for Cops and was presented by Chaplain Joseph Jackson. On 14 January 2023 Officer Webb and his partner where in a foot pursuit chasing a person with a gun. During the case, Officer Webb was struck by an iron gate and fell to the ground. Officer Webb suffered a fracture to his arm. The offender was detained and a gun was recovered.

 
 
04 MAR 2023: On this 35-degree day, the 020th District hosted a "Polar Plunge" event benefitting Special Olympics. Here you'll see "Plungers" led by none other than the district's Commander, Brendan McCrudden, in full uniform! Kudos to the 020th District for supporting such a worthy cause.

03 MAR 2023: Chicago Police Officer Steven Smith received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. On 17 December 2022 While on patrol Officer Smith and his partner were proceeding through the intersection at 79th and Halsted. At this point a vehicle traveling at a high rated speed went through the red light and struck their marked police vehicle. The sticking vehicle driver was placed into custody for Driving Under the Influence.

 
 
02 MAR 2023: Chicago Police Officer Kimberly McQuater received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops, presented by Chaplain Rev. Dr. Kimberly Lewis-Davis. On 10 December 2022 Officer McQuater was driving through the intersection at 68th and South Chicago, when a vehicle ran through a red light at a high speed and striking her marked police vehicle.

01 March 2023: Chicago Police Officer Marcel Lopez was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Robert Montelongo on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 24 January 2023 Officer Lopez and his partner Officer Abonce were responding to an emergency call at which point their police vehicle lost control after hitting a road defect, causing their vehicle to launch into the air and striking another vehicle within on coming traffic.

01 MAR 2023: Chicago Police Officer Cristian Abonce received a handmade quilt by Quilts for Cops. On 24 January 2023 Officer Abonce and his partner Officer Lopez were responding to an emergency call at which point their police vehicle lost control after hitting a road defect, causing their vehicle to launch into the air and striking another vehicle within on coming traffic.

   
  
  

22 FEB 2023: The CPD Chaplains of Christian faith administered blessed ashes at police facilities all over the city on Ash Wednesday. Here you'll see Chaplain Joe Jackson and Fr. Dan Brandt dirtying their thumbs as they lead CPD members in prayer to welcome in the Lenten season.

19 FEB 2023: Fr. Bill McFarlane (CFD Chaplain) and Fr. Dan Brandt are joined by members of the CPD Mounted Unit following a Blue Mass offered that morning at St. John Fisher Parish. Thank you to Alderman Matt O'Shea for putting together the Mass and a pancake breakfast afterward, with proceeds benefitting the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's "Get Behind the Vest" initiative.

   

16 Feb 2023: Officer Adrian Diaz received a handmade quilt presented by Chaplain Hysni Selenica and Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 10 Dec 2022 Officer Diaz and his partner while on patrol were going through the intersection at 82nd Street and Halsted. At which point a vehicle ran the stop sign and struck their police vehicle. The impact caused the police vehicle to run into a utility pole. The sticking vehicle fled the scene.

15 Feb 2023: At the Superintendents Awards Ceremonies (from right) Det. Saud Haidari, Chaplain Hysni Selenica, Officer Aman Haidari, Sgt. Syed Quadri and Officer Mohammed Ahmed. Job well done by Sgt. Quadri's RBT Team and Det. Haidari in the 024th District. The Superintendents Awards seems to be a meeting place each month for them. Many cases of armed robberies, shootings, homicides, burglaries and much more have been solved due to their dedication and hard work.

15 Feb 2023: Chicago Police Officer Kimberly Leo and Officer Andres Hernandez were presented a handmade quilt by Lt. Don De Vito on behalf of Quilts for Cops, during roll call in the 001st District Police Station. On 29 Nov 2023 Officer Leo and Officer Hernandez were responding to an emergency call when they were involved in an auto accident at the intersection of 16th and State St. Both officers were injured while in performance of their tour of duty.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11 FEB 2023: The weekend before Valentine’s Day, Chaplain Kimberly Lewis-Davis and EAP Clinician Lisa Martirena co-facilitated a police marriage retreat at a resort in Wheeling. All couples in attendance had a wonderful time learning eight habits for a successful marriage.

   

04 Feb 2023: Chicago Police Muslims officers went on a spiritual journey to Mecca and fulfilled a mini pilgrimage called Umrah. Sgt. Darwish Arekat (007), P.O. Nader Ismail (003), P.O. Mohammad Khalil (002) and Chaplain Hysni Selenica went to holy site of Medina and prayed at Prophet Muhammad's Mosque and then traveled to Mecca to complete their pilgrimage by following the ritual practices of Prophet Abraham and his family. These ritual practices of umrah commemorate the steps of Prophet Abraham, his wife Hagar and their son Ishmael. The white robes worn are meant to remind pilgrims of the equality of all humankind before God. Both the umrah and hajj are a time of spiritual renewal and hope for Muslims.

Sgt. Arekat had sparred and reprimanded Chaplain Selenica for not completing his eLearning and not able to find his whereabouts on a location for a meet.

14 Feb 23: Rosemont Police K9 Officer AJ Favalli received a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. The quilt was made and presented by Kathy Savas, quilter for Quilts for Cops - Chicago Chapter. Retired Chicago Police Officer Dean Savas joined in on the presentation. Quilts for Cops is a nationwide origination that was founded in 2016 by Bobbie Bebereia, a retired 911 Dispatcher and married to a retired Deputy Sheriff. She founded the organization knowing the risk level police officers face within this noble profession. May this quilt bring comfort and healing to Officer Favalli and his partner.

  

21 Jan 2023: Quilter Ruth Duncan of Quilts for Cops - Chicago Chapter recently celebrated her 90th birthday, during their monthly gatherings in the 016th District Community Room. Her life secret is to eat two pieces of dark chocolate and ride a stationary bike everyday. Thank you for all the quilts you've made and continue to make for our injured officers. Happy Birthday Ruth!!

21 Jan 23: Layla is fulfilling her high school service hours during a Quilts for Cops - Chicago Chapter monthly gathering. All the quilters were keeping a sharp eye on on her.

25 Jan 2023: Chicago Police Officer Emmanuel Garcia was presented a handmade quilt from Quilts for Cops. On 10 Dec 2022 Officer Garcia and his partner were responding to a person with a knife trying to enter into homes on the 9900 block of South Wentworth. Upon arrival the offender entered a house and held a young victim at knife point in one of the rooms. Officer Garcia and his partner at some point were able to obtain the victim to safety from the threat of the offender while continuing to hold the knife. The offender was refusing to comply to verbal commands to drop the deadly weapon. Officer Garcia's partner deployed his taser at the offender as he approached at the officers. The taser had no effect on offender. At this point Officer Garcia was stabbed about his ear, neck and shoulder.  

24 Jan 2023: Chicago Police Officer Imran Muhamad was presented a handmade quilt by Chaplain Hysni Selenica on behalf of Quilts for Cops. On 16 Dec 2022 Officer Muhamad and his partner Officer Husam Masoud while on patrol where going eastbound through the intersection at 2200 W. Congress PKWY. A vehicle traveling at a high rated speed went through the red light and stuck the police vehicle, while pushing the vehicle on the sidewalk. The offending vehicle then fled the scene.

24 Jan 2023: Chicago Police Officer Husam Masoud was presented a handmade quilt by Lt. Meghann McCauley on behalf of Quilts for Cops. The presentation was accompanied by Chaplain Joseph Jackson and Chaplain Hysni Selenica along with Officer Masoud's peers during roll call at the 011th District Police Station. On 16 Dec 2022 Officer Masoud and his partner Officer Imran Muhamad while on patrol where going eastbound through the intersection at 2200 W. Congress PKWY. A vehicle traveling at a high rated speed went through the red light and stuck the police vehicle, while pushing the vehicle on the sidewalk. The offending vehicle then fled the scene.