Photo Album, Memorials & Past Events

Sgt. David J. Krupka

Illinois Survivors remember retired Sgt David J. Krupka of the Woodridge Police Department.

Dave passed away on January 12, 2010.

Dave was a "cops cop", a friend and mentor to so many people.  Dave was also that special individual who looked beyond the surface and saw the essence of people and things.  Because of who he was, Dave was a warrior and champion for the families of all our survivors.

Dave is survived by his wife Carol and daughter Beth. 

Illinois C.O.P.S. ask that you keep Dave, his wife, his daughter, family, friends and colleagues of the Woodridge Police Department in your thoughts and prayers.

2009 5th Annual Cycle Across Illinois Photo Gallery

Check it out!

Brewing Flat Foot Copper Ale

Mortenson Construction, Current Technologies and Rock Bottom Brewery teamed up to support IL C.O.P.S. (Concerns Of Police Survivors)

On May 16^th, 2009, lead by Rock Bottom's Brewmaster, Tim Marshall, members of Mortenson Construction, Current Technologies and the Arlington Heights Police Department, along with our own Craig Figgins, Northern Trustee IL C.O.P.S., spent the day learning how to brew beer and created “Flat Foot Copper Ale”.  “Flat Foot” is a historic reference to a police officer who walked their entire shift on patrol.

The ale aged over a two week timeframe and was introduced at the benefit hosted at Rock Bottom in Lombard on June 4^th, 2009. Over 150 police officers, friends and families showed up to support IL C.O.P.S. and a specialty “HERO” sandwich was created by the Rock Bottom Chef.

IL C.O.P.S. representatives met all of the supporters and Craig Figgins spoke on behalf of IL C.O.P.S.  A video designed by Craig was also played that highlighted many fallen officers of our Illinois families.   To date, over $700.00  was raised for the IL chapter!!  Thank you Rock Bottom Brewery, Mortensen Construction and Current Technologies for a great event, we look forward to this event growing each year.

2009 RUN TO REMEMBER

These are the photos from this years event that was held on Saturday, May 2, 2009 in Peoria, IL.

2009 Illinois Law Enforcement Memorial

Keith Dorwart (surviving child), Mark Hannan (interim President) presented Governor Quinn and Secretary White with IL COPS ride tee-shirt, moments before the annual Law Enforcement Memorial in Springfield on May 7, 2009 (photo courtesy of Ms. Heather Hayes, IL SOS).

SEE THE PHOTOS

The 2^nd Annual Appreciation Dinner for the Illinois C.O.P.S. Chapter was held at Heroes West in Joliet on Saturday November 8, 2008.  The event drew approximately 100 members, law enforcement representatives, and supporters of Illinois C.O.P.S.  The Annual Appreciation Dinner is held to recognize the progress of our Chapter each year, and to thank those who support us with their generous donation of funds, products, services, and volunteer work. 

Some of the highlights of 2008 that were noted at the dinner included the C.O.P.S. Cycle Across Illinois, Run To Remember, “Crawlin For The Fallin” event sponsored by the Woodridge Police Association, Chapter support meetings, water park outing, arena football outing, and many other events. The National C.O.P.S. Traumas of Law Enforcement training held in Springfield brought new levels of law enforcement support and involvement in the Illinois Chapter.

On October 16, 2007, the board members of the Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors established an annual recognition award called The Eternal Flame Award.  The Eternal Flame Award represents a commitment to keeping our officer’s memories burning bright forever.  The 2008 Eternal Flame Award recipients are:

Mrs. Jerry Overman.  Mrs. Overman has generously supported our chapter by hosting breakfast for participants in the C.O.P.S. Cycle Across Illinois for the past three years.  Jerry Overman has been a tremendous supporter of the COPS family and especially of our bike riders.  Conservatively, she has fed and replenished the stomach and souls of several hundreds of law enforcement officers, survivors, and cyclists.  Mrs.  Overman is the mother of Sangamon County Deputy Terry Roderick, the Liaison Chair for Illinois C.O.P.S.

Alton Police Department.  The Alton Police Department has provided generous support to the C.O.P.S. Cycle Across Illinois providing lodging, meals, and escort vehicles for portions of the ride that extend far beyond what is typically asked of a police department. 

Orland Park Police Department.   The Orland Park Police Department has hosted a refreshment break at their new police headquarters any time the riders are passing near Orland Park.  Orland Park has had a strong showing in the number of officers participating as riders in the Cycle Across Illinois.  The OPPD riders have raised thousands of dollars for our survivors.  This year, several spouses of OPPD officers organized a Tupperware party that raised $1,000 for Illinois C.O.P.S. 

IL C.O.P.S. Certificate of Appreciation were also presented to the following:

• Lt. Dennis Goron of the Joliet City Police Department

• Cahokia Police Department

• Burr Ridge Police Department

• Joliet Police Department
  (2007 Blue Flame Award Recipient)

• Woodridge Police Department
  (2007 Blue Flame Award Recipient)

• Patti and Dwight Bouck

• Larry and Julie Page

• Jeff Stauffer/Mid-America Advertising

• Hager Funeral Home

• Debra Oughton

• Shorewood Police Department

• Cpl. Mike Barnes of the Burr Ridge Police Department 

Thanks to everyone who attended the 2008 Appreciation Dinner.  A special thank you to Heroes West for serving as the venue for the dinner that evening, and to Officers John Hanke and Eddie Johnson for their assistance with the support meeting earlier that day.

Click each photo to enlarge

2008 Kane County Police Memorial

2008 Springfield Police Memorial

2007 Guiness World Record Attempt

In 2007, George Hood (retired DEA supervisor) attempted to set a Guiness World Record in the spin bike category.  While he was not recognized by the GWR for that record attempt, he raised almost $30,000.00 for COPS over that grueling, multi-day event in Burr Ridge, Illinois.  Above, George is pictured with several IL COPS members who visited and supported George during his GWR pursuit.

Memorial Video Created by Craig Figgins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KX0_3pIVYY