Kelly Commemorates Fallen Illinois Officers at Memorial
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Michael J. Kelly, D-Chicago, honored fallen Illinois police officers following a memorial ceremony at the state Capitol Thursday.
“The brave and selfless individuals who risk their health and safety each and every day to protect our communities and our families all too often pay the ultimate price for their courage,” Kelly said. “Those who we honor here today have proven that courage beyond any question and, because they cannot, it falls to those of us who remain to take up the torch and continue to live lives full of the values of service and character that they showed us.”
Kelly is a Chicago firefighter who was appointed to the General Assembly in 2021 before being elected to a full term in 2022. During his time in office, he has been a tireless advocate for first responders and other public servants.
“Families across Illinois sleep safely because the families of these heroes have painful holes where their loved ones used to be,” Kelly said. “We must never forget, or neglect to honor, the sacrifices of our first responders.”
| Name | Organization | End of Watch |
| Officer Nicholas Kozak | Forest Park Police Dept. | 11-27-2021 |
| Officer James R. Svec | Chicago Police Dept. | 12-08-2021 |
| CBP Canine Officer Jeffrey P. Dela Cruz | U.S. Customs and Border Protection | 12-23-2021 |
| Officer Jose M. Huerta | Chicago Police Dept. | 12-23-2021 |
| Detective Joseph A. Tripoli | Chicago Police Dept. | 1-3-2022 |
| Deputy Sheriff Michael J. Queeney | Will County Sheriff’s Office | 1-8-2022 |
| Officer Brian Romel Shields | Aurora Police Dept. | 1-11-2022 |
| Deputy Sheriff Joseph R. Tinoco | Cook County Sheriff’s Office | 1-13-2022 |
| Sergeant Kenneth J. Thurman Sr. | Aurora Police Dept. | 1-19-2022 |
| Deputy Sheriff Brian J. Norton | Ford County Sheriff’s Office | 2-5-2022 |
| Officer Brian L. Sember | Ottawa Police Dept. | 4-3-2022 |
| Deputy Sheriff Nicholas D. West | Knox County Sheriff’s Office | 4-29-2022 |