The 2010 Memorial events began with a reception for Gold Star/Surviving Family Members on Wednesday May 5th. The Memorial Committee and returning Survivors were on hand to lend support and encouragement to new Family Survivors.

On Thursday May 6th the Memorial began with an interfaith service at the Westside Christian Church. Dave Johnson, Retired Lt Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department and President of the Illinois Police Memorial, was the Commentator. An Invocation was given by Robert L. Dilley, Retired Springfield Police Department and Past President Illinois Police Memorial Committee. The Psalm reading was done by Ray Holman, Supt. U.S. Operations Canadian Pacific Police Service and President of the Illinois Police Association. James Genz, Traffic Senior Patrolman Elgin Police Department and President of the Police Benevolent and Protective Association of Illinois, read the National Police Prayer. Patrick O'Connor, Chief of Police Moraine Valley Community College and President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police did the Epistle Reading. John Jefferson, Sheriff Hancock County, read the Gospel.

Following church service, a procession took place from the church to the State Capital, where the Illinois Police Memorial stands. Those participating in the procession were; State and Federal Elected Officers, Family Survivors, Honor Guards, Bag Pipers, and Police Officers, in squad cars, from all corners of Illinois.

David Johnson was the Master of Ceremonies for the Memorial Service at the State Capital. Those in attendance included Governor Patrick Quinn, Secretary of State Jessie White, and Former Governor Jim Edgar. Speeches were given by Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn, Secretary of State Jessie White, Former Governor Jim Edgar, Chicago Superintendant Jody Weis, Springfield Chief Robert Williams, Officer Kathy Strouse (Family Survivor 2001), and Officer Kurt Kaner (Family Survivor 1970). Names of the Honoree’s (officers killed in the line of duty during 2009) were read by Gloria Bodnar (Family survivor 1974).

2010 HONOREES

Officer Michael A. Robbins
EOW September 13, 2008
Chicago Police Department

Officer Alejandro Valadez
EOW June 1, 2009
Chicago Police Department

Lieutenant Greg Jonas
EOW June 2, 2009
Centreville Police Department

HISTORIC HONOREES

Chief of Police John Struble
EOW July 13, 1910
Clinton Police Department

John Franklin Kelley
EOW October 9, 1921
DuQuoin Police Department

Thomas Joseph Kane
EOW December 21, 1922
Chicago Police Department

Sergeant Michael Twohig
EOW November 4, 1930
Chicago Police Department

Deputy Sheriff Charles Adams
EOW April 7, 1933
McLean County

Constable Paul John Kisselbach
EOW September 10, 1949
St. Clair County Sheriff's Department

Constable William Graham Mason
EOW September 16, 1949
St. Clair County Sheriff's Department

A twenty one gun salute was given in honor of the 2010 Honorees. Casings from the bullets fired were presented to the Family Survivors. The playing of taps marked the end of the Ceremony.

After the conclusion of the Ceremony, family members spent time at the Memorial Statue taking photos and making rubbings of the names etched in the Monument. Governor Quinn and Secretary of State White visited with surviving family members. Family Survivors were then invited to a luncheon.

All events are hosted and paid for by the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee. The major source of income for the Memorial is the Illinois Police Officers license plate. The license plate is available through the Secretary of State's office.