The Illinois Police Officer Memorial Ceremony took place on May 1 in the Capital City to honor the brave law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The day began with a squad car procession lining up at the Illinois State Fairgrounds at 6:30 a.m., followed by an interfaith church service at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, less than a mile from the Illinois State Capitol. The formal memorial ceremony was held at the Illinois State Library, where officers, families, and officials paid tribute to the fallen heroes whose names will be added to the Illinois Police Memorial.

This ceremony was a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our law enforcement officers. Illinois Senate Republicans proudly stand behind police officers, honoring their service and the sacrifices they make to protect Illinois communities.

Nine fallen officers will have their names added to a monument in Springfield that honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities. For the first time, the ceremony also included a tribute to K-9 partners who were killed in the line of duty.