Friday, February 26, 2010

Funeral Today

In an hour or so, the drums will sound, the pipes will play and the ritual of burying one of our own will once again begin. In a few short hours, the flags will be folded, the final salutes rendered and life will go on. Emptier, but onward.

Final remembrances for Sgt. Alan Haymaker can be left here.

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65 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

RIP BROTHER

2/26/2010 09:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Godspeed Boss, and may he also watch over your family.

Cicero PD

2/26/2010 11:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

REST IS PEACE, SARGE.
To not ask questions, and continue to ask questions until we get answers as to what caused this tragedy would be an insult to his life.

Be safe and go home to your families.

2/26/2010 11:34:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lets also look back on all the officers killed in the line of duty.So i say peace my brothers and soon we will see you.

2/26/2010 11:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rest in Peace Brother 011

2/26/2010 12:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rest easy brother. You are in
G-D's hands now.

A big thanks to all the agencies who took the time to remember by sending a representative(s).

2/26/2010 12:23:00 PM  
Anonymous I Work 99 said...

RIP Sgt. And slightly off-topic, Prayers & thoughts for the family of the Fresno County, CA Deputy Sheriff who was murdered in the line of duty today.

2/26/2010 01:01:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

all gave some,some gave all, RIP SARGE.

2/26/2010 01:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God speed dear Brother. You will surely be missed. Please look over all of us down here. God knows we need all the help we can get.


Stone Park FOP #26

2/26/2010 02:01:00 PM  
Blogger Bill Cozzi said...

With great sadness, I offer my condolences to the Haymaker family on their loss of a kind, good man. May God give you the strength in your grief. Sgt. Al mailed me a warm letter. I know he is now in a much better place with Our Lord and St. Michael the Archangel. All of us will meet again. He will be in my prayers.

Rest in Peace, Sarge.

WJC:jn

2/26/2010 02:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you to all of our brother Law Enforcement Agencies along with CFD and other Fire Departments for attending. It was a nice but cold ceremony. You will be missed Al.

2/26/2010 02:24:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just returned from funeral. Good turnout. Father Nagle as always gives the best. RIP Sarge

2/26/2010 02:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The memorial send-off for Sgt. Alan Haymaker was textbook.
Aside from the normal 'inconveniences' brought upon by the ever-changing logistics of the wake and funeral locations, we, as a Department finally do something that makes us proud.
Yes, many of our members were called out a bit early to line up outside, but I think most realized the importance of their presence as a sign of honor and respect and braved the cold to accomplish this impressive show of support.
Thank You.
Once again I stood among that revered product of "Chicago's Finest."
It wasn't the cold that send chills down my spine.
YOU... each and every one of you did US proud.
The Chicago Police Honor Guard, the Pipes and Drums all were totally awesome.
Having retired in 08 I was able to stand in CD among the family and friends and hear the comments and accolades that YOU earned from all in attendance.
With the exception of 1 or 2 people (you can guess who they were) that spoke at at the church, it appeared that God Himself did the casting and personally wrote their oratories.
It was a great tribute to a great man.
Rightfully so.
The family deserved nothing less.
For all those in attendance, along with those unable to join us but said a prayer or a similar sign of respect for our fallen brother, you are what binds us together as one... that 'Thin Blue Line.'
The next time you pin on that badge, make sure that you follow Alan's lead and hug or kiss your loved ones and tell them you love them.
Life is short, you may not have another chance.
Stay safe my brothers and sisters in blue.
Ol' Vet (r)

2/26/2010 03:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just got home from the funeral. It was, as all could imagine, sad. I did not know the man but he must have been a good guy. His partner really hit it out of the park. There was a pretty good showing, though I always think that there should be more.

Every time I go to one of these funerals I think that despite the problems on the Department, the way the city treats us and everything else, I know one thing for sure: after 25 years, I still love being a part of this Police Department.

And remember, the Police Department is the people sitting in roll call with you.

God rest the soul of Sgt. Haymaker, as well as the souls of each officer whose Stars are in the cases at HQ.

2/26/2010 03:43:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I had a doc appt. I couldn't change. May he rest in peace and his family find comfort in our family.

2/26/2010 03:51:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

R.I.P. Alan!

2/26/2010 03:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great service today. Hearing his old partner speak was tough, and was one of the best speeches I have ever heard. RIP Sgt.

2/26/2010 04:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have never witnessed or been part of a funeral such as Sgt Al's. Very very touching & great show of support.

2/26/2010 04:40:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rest in peace SGT. OT, the truck in the post below was parked on the side of the church today at the funeral! Lots of comments being whispered through the crowd of police.

2/26/2010 04:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I watched as the procession went by my house. Although I am not part of the police force, I too will miss Officer Haymaker, for he was a part of Chicago that made a difference for other Chicagoans. I am sure he is God's hands and he is looking out for his family. God Bless!

2/26/2010 04:51:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Glad to see "former" governer Quinn show up, ohh wait no, he was doing something more important like giving Harry Carrys wife a plaque

2/26/2010 05:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SARGE.

2/26/2010 05:22:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It breaks my heart to see a family in so much pain,being treated by a Supt of Police,Mayor who think of them as nothing but a prop.

2/26/2010 05:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This world is a much bette place for having Sgt. Haymaker in it and heaven is now a better place that Alan is with God.

2/26/2010 05:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

god bless,rest in peace good sgt.my god have mercy on your soul.012

2/26/2010 06:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hope that the other Police Departments/Agencies that were at the funeral read this, THANK YOU. It means a lot to see a show of support from our fellow officers throughout the area, and I pray that we never have to respond in kind, but know that I will be willing to do so. I didn't personally know Sgt Haymaker, but it was sad never-the-less and I admire his partner for fighting through his own grief to speak to us about his partner, my prayers are with him especially. I say to you all, BE SAFE! And to Sgt. Haymaker, Rest well Sarge and Godspeed, and to his family, my deepest condolences.

2/26/2010 06:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RIP SGT. YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!

2/26/2010 06:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So often we are too quick to vent our frustrations, and too late to offer our thanks.
RIP Sgt Haymaker. Thanks are due you, and to all who served with you.

2/26/2010 06:58:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have never met the good Sarg. but I feel he is watching down on all of us. God Bless your dear family, they are in my prayers. R.I.P Sarg

2/26/2010 07:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Al you taught me a lot in 015, may you look down upon us and see that your influence will be with this department for many years to come. RIP.

2/26/2010 07:46:00 PM  
Anonymous 9126 said...

REMEMBER!!!

That is our responsibility!!!

REMEMBER Al!!!
REMEMBER Al's children!!!
REMEMBER Al's family!!!

REMEMBER!!!

REMEMBER what lies ahead!!!
REMEMBER your family, friends, and the people that walk by you everyday!!!

REMEMBER to be humble, kind and forgiving!!!

REMEMBER that our job is to help everyone!!!
REMEMBER that the criminal we chase is someone's son, daughter, brother, sister, mother or father!!!

REMEMBER to be swift, but FAIR!!!

REMEMBER!!!

2/26/2010 08:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rest easy, Sarge...

2/26/2010 08:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RIP Sarge. You will never be forgotten. To his family, My deepest sympathies on his loss. May you know our department will be there for you wherever you need anything.

2/26/2010 08:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very moving service makes me proud to serve. RIP. OT I was standing in the back of the state and local officer side when i was approached by a ranking CPD Officer whom I do not know. He asked us if we could stand back a bit off the sidewalk as the Mayor, Superintendent and some dignitaries would be walking passed to view the casket. A short time later they passed by as we moved away. Daley, Weis, Ed Burke and some CPD big wigs. Kind of pissed me off to tell the truth.

2/26/2010 08:34:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm a citizen that happened to be on Harlem near Devon when the procession went by. God bless Sgt Haymaker. I hope the city pays for this. Dearly.

People still give a shit about you guys, just remember that.

2/26/2010 08:38:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The turnout was good but could have been alot better. RIP BROTHER.

2/26/2010 08:54:00 PM  
Anonymous The Ghost of Revolver Police said...

As The Ghost of Revolver Police drives slowly through the streets of 023...In his ghostly grey box Caprice unmarked... He once again sets forth on a solemn mission. He heads north on Halsted, picks up Broadway and continues on to Sheridan. He enjoys the quiet evening and reflects on all of the wonderful people he has met and worked with over the years. He remembers the start of some lives, and the end of others. He remembers when bosses backed up the troops when things didnt always turn out as planned. He thinks back to those special moments, and thinks of all the times that good prevailed over evil. The souls that were saved and the babys they helped deliver. He looks down at the cracked and worn garrison belt he wears , holding his holstered and well used model 19 revolver... Its wood grips and action worn smooth from decades of service to both him and the citizens of Chicago. He stops for the light, Lawrence and Sheridan. The side door swings open and in steps a Sergeant, with highly polished gold star affixed to his crisp white shirt. Welcome home Al, Says The Ghost of Revolver Police.

2/26/2010 09:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Was there today a beautiful ceremony but please brothers and sisters take time to update your dress uniforms. Who gives a fuck how we look when we are out here serving these worthless dogs.

When we say good bye to one our own we should look sharp out of respect. If you are that deep cover that you can wear your DRESS UNIFORM to a family members funeral then maybe you should not come.

2/26/2010 09:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I really enjoy showing my respects for my fellow falln officer, but I sure don't enjoy seeing the politician and brass suck fest show making sure they are all seen by the media. We all get shoved to the rear while they are front and center.

2/26/2010 10:03:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Came home for the funneral, now watching it on tv. The hardest part for me is watching that family suffer. They don't deserve it. It truly breaks my heart.

2/26/2010 10:33:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

GODSPEED Brother we will keep up the spirit God bless to your family! Always remembered!!

2/26/2010 10:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God Bless Sgt Alan Haymaker and Family!

I truly believe that the good Sarge is in Heaven with the Lord looking over us.

2/26/2010 11:08:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

2/26/2010 09:03:00 PM

Very powerful, brought a few tears to my eyes.

2/26/2010 11:13:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He is walking those streets of Gold,with out Lord and Savior,see ya later brother.

2/26/2010 11:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As the son (not CPD) of a deceased CPD Det, it makes me sick to see JFED wearing the uniform. He's an administrator not the Police. JFED please hang up the uniform and stick with the suit and tie. You are disgracing all the men and women who wear that uniform with distinction, grace and courage every.

2/26/2010 11:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

RIP My Brother !!!!!

2/26/2010 11:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Im sick to my stomach. Governoer quin was here last night drinking with some police officers and treating his "body guards out to dinner" as he quoted. I'm so sick to hear these young police officers actually belived this is the way its supposed to be. I am so sorry but I had to rant.

2/27/2010 12:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7300771&pid=7299372

ABC7 covered a good portion of the ceremony.

Rest in Peace Sergeant.

2/27/2010 12:08:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OMG. As a wife of a police officer. regardless of rank, I have made a promise to him. I will never allow any exempt rank to attend his unfortunate death service. Nobody will talk about him except me. If they come, they can stand in the rears. I know the man, they don't. I am sick to almost say that I wish I could be the first to do that. Sadly, they will never never feel a difference. Thanks for the rant.

2/27/2010 01:18:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It was an HONOR to pay tribute to Sgt.Haymaker. Thank you Sir. Godspeed.

Niles PD

2/27/2010 02:07:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

George, Al's former partner was insightful and heartwarming, and humorous, and real ..... Bravo! Nice to hear from one of our own concerning the loss he/we will endure.

2/27/2010 03:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
As the son (not CPD) of a deceased CPD Det, it makes me sick to see JFED wearing the uniform. He's an administrator not the Police. JFED please hang up the uniform and stick with the suit and tie. You are disgracing all the men and women who wear that uniform with distinction, grace and courage every.

2/26/2010 11:19:00 PM

We CPD know what a phone piece of shit jody weis is and it makes us sick to see him disgrace our uniform by wearing it.

Believe that weis does not have the hearts and minds of this police department. Weis is dispised and scorned throughout the department, he is laughed at, never respected.

The only people who show him respect are the bosses blowing smoke up his ass trying to cement their positions and salary and pension.

For the blue shirt typical cop on the street, jody weis is a joke and a mockery of all good officers on our department.

As for myself, I was here before he came along and I will be here after he leaves. I wouldn't piss on him if he were on fire.

2/27/2010 07:08:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Officers, I thank all those that attended the services of Sgt. Haymaker on Friday 26Feb10. It was cold and windy day. Not a good day to stand outside for a couple of hours waiting for the deceased to be brought outside and begin the journey to his final resting place. But there was a problem. The problem, at least for me, is that there were not enough of us. I see where some posters claim it was a good turnout. Nonsense! I'd be willing to bet that there were no more than 500 Chicago Police Officers present for the services. I'd also bet that if you combined the amount of State Police with the suburban Officers that attended, the Chicago Police would be outnumbered. That's not only wrong,it's embarrassing. I know that some of you will say that you went to the wake, that some of you have childen or doctors appointments etc.,etc., but c'mon. He was one of us. The good Sgt. gave his life serving the citizens of Chicago and for that the least his colleagues can do is attend his funeral! IMHO, in a department that consists of thousands of Officers, there should have at least been a couple of thousand Officers in attendance at the funeral itself. While attending the wake is appreciated, what better way to send an Officer to his final resting place than by having a few thousand of his brothers attend his funeral? The answer is that there is no better way. Hence my appeal to all of you to make a special effort to attend the funeral as well as the wake the next time one of us dies in the line of duty. We MUST start coming together or else WE are doomed.

2/27/2010 07:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Glad to see "former" governer Quinn show up, ohh wait no, he was doing something more important like giving Harry Carrys wife a plaque

2/26/2010 05:11:00 PM

Interesting. He's gone to every fucking funeral for the past how many years, even going out of town to pay respects and he can't tell
Dutchie Carey (who would totally understand) he needs to go to a CPD funeral? Unbelievable.

---not a cop

2/27/2010 07:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OMG. As a wife of a police officer. regardless of rank, I have made a promise to him. I will never allow any exempt rank to attend his unfortunate death service. Nobody will talk about him except me. If they come, they can stand in the rears. I know the man, they don't. I am sick to almost say that I wish I could be the first to do that. Sadly, they will never never feel a difference. Thanks for the rant.

2/27/2010 01:18:00 AM

I had a similar experience and you can absolutely tell the Mayor etc they will not be allowed to speak or participate in the service. Just because someone worked for the City does not mean representatives of the City are granted a place of honor.

The same goes for the press. They are only trying to ambush the Supt. or get pictures of him arriving. Although they will settle for the 100 Club. Reporters will plead and sympathize with you just to get into the house to position themselves for the best shot. Tell them they are welcome to wait out on the sidewalk.

It's a difficult, mind numbing experience, so bear in mind, family, friends only. Everyone else is probably a vulture. And you'll be sorry later that you let anyone not worthy of the memory of your departed intrude. If you are in no state of mind, have loved ones hold the line for you. Trust me, I know.

---not a cop

2/27/2010 07:43:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A big thanks to our brothers and sisters in the Illinois State Police. It is an honor to see you all attend the funeral of one of our best. Sarge would be so proud ! We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

2/27/2010 09:23:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the Ghost of Revolver Police, thank you again. You have done some previous posts when other PO's have been taken from us. Your words have helped with the pain and anguish. I pray for Sgt. Haymaker, his family and his extended police family. RIP.

2/27/2010 11:04:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Been on the job for almost twenty years now. I am truley saddended by this terrible tragedy and have always prayed that this be the last. Unfortunately we all know that our line of work is dangerous and each day could be our last. Please be careful out there and always be mindful of the dangers that exist. Rest in peace my brother and watch over us. We will never forget your ultimate sacrifice.

2/27/2010 01:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"As the son (not CPD) of a deceased CPD Det, it makes me sick to see JFED wearing the uniform. He's an administrator not the Police. JFED please hang up the uniform and stick with the suit and tie. You are disgracing all the men and women who wear that uniform with distinction, grace and courage every."

The best part is Jfed had his minions post pictures of OUR star on posters throughout HQ with the phrase "Earned, not given" underneath, when everyone one of these cocksucking fed jagoffs and their boy toy play police Mike Masters did absoultely nothing to earn yet continue to dress up in OUR uniform as if they are entitled. Jpud said that if he were to find out he was the problem with morale on this job he would not have to be fired, he would leave on his own. We're waiting. Just another promise broken by this prick. We're still waitng for the results of your morale survey from last year.

In addition, when is the media going to pick up on play commander of the academy who was recommended discharged by IAD only to be saved by jpud, at the urging of the weasel at the bureau of professional standards, because everyone got freebies to the concert. Where is the IG's office on this?

2/27/2010 02:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When we say good bye to one our own we should look sharp out of respect. If you are that deep cover that you can wear your DRESS UNIFORM to a family members funeral then maybe you should not come
************************************
Thinking back 5 years at my wife's funeral, I cannot remember the appearance of any of the many brothers and sisters in blue who attended to pay there respects. What i do remember is them being there, and their show of support.

2/27/2010 05:19:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When we say good bye to one our own we should look sharp out of respect. If you are that deep cover that you can wear your DRESS UNIFORM to a family members funeral then maybe you should not come
************************************
Thinking back 5 years at my wife's funeral, I cannot remember the appearance of any of the many brothers and sisters in blue who attended to pay there respects. What i do remember is them being there, and their show of support.

2/27/2010 05:19:00 PM


True, but the uniforms are a nice touch.

2/27/2010 07:42:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

While attending the wake is appreciated, what better way to send an Officer to his final resting place than by having a few thousand of his brothers attend his funeral? The answer is that there is no better way. Hence my appeal to all of you to make a special effort to attend the funeral as well as the wake the next time one of us dies in the line of duty. We MUST start coming together or else WE are doomed.

2/27/2010 07:28:00 AM

Wake up, we are doomed already. We are not together and why do you worry so much? This is a sign of how bad this department has sunk into depression. There was a good showing and proper respect was paid to the family. Go back to your desk.

2/27/2010 08:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Glad to see "former" governer Quinn show up, ohh wait no, he was doing something more important like giving Harry Carrys wife a plaque"

Keep on Gushing over him for all the work he does for Veterans. It's a cheap tasteless photo op that lacks substance. Integrity is something Quinn wouldn't know if it jumped up & bit him.

2/27/2010 09:50:00 PM  
Anonymous CFD Blaze said...

RIP Sargeant Haymaker. God Bless you guys from the CFD.

3/08/2010 01:28:00 AM  
Blogger LATHROP ONE said...

The side door swings open and in steps a Sergeant, with highly polished gold star affixed to his crisp white shirt. Welcome home Al, Says The Ghost of Revolver Police.

2/26/2010 09:03:00 PM


My God!
I write.One published thus far,but I gotta tell ya tears ran down my face as I read your writing.
God Bless YOU.That was simply BEAUTIFUL!

4/01/2010 08:53:00 PM  

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