CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS IL Chapter

The journey of the Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (IL C.O.P.S.) began in the winter of 2004, when a group of survivors gathered at the home of Al and Laurie Streicher, parents of fallen Officer Adam Streicher. At the invitation of Jennifer Morales, surviving spouse of Officer Marlon Morales, parents, spouses, siblings, in-laws, significant others, and co-workers came together with a shared understanding of loss and a desire to support one another.

In those early days, there was no merchandise, no funding, and no established organization. All we had was each other and from that, a family and a mission were born.

That mission remains at the heart of everything we do. Concerns of Police Survivors exists to rebuild the shattered lives of surviving family members and co-workers affected by a line-of-duty death. For Illinois C.O.P.S., that mission is more than a statement, it is a lifelong commitment. From the moment a family experiences the unimaginable loss of their officer, through the difficult days, months, and years that follow, our commitment is to ensure that no survivor walks that journey alone.

Today, Illinois C.O.P.S. has grown into one of the strongest and most active C.O.P.S. chapters in the nation. Illinois continues to be a leader among chapters by developing programs, partnerships, and resources that strengthen the support available to survivors while remaining firmly committed to the National C.O.P.S. mission.

A significant part of that leadership is the Illinois C.O.P.S. Critical Incident Memorial Team (CIMT). When Illinois loses a law enforcement officer in the line of duty, our team works alongside the affected agency and family to provide support, guidance, resources, and assistance during an incredibly difficult and overwhelming time. The team brings together individuals with experience and an understanding of the unique challenges surrounding a line-of-duty death, helping ensure that families and agencies have support when they need it most.

Our commitment does not end after the funeral, memorial service, or first year following a loss. C.O.P.S. is about support for a lifetime. Illinois C.O.P.S. continues walking alongside survivors through remembrance events, peer support, survivor programs, National Police Week, retreats, conferences, and opportunities to connect with others who understand their journey.

Through events such as the Cycle Across Illinois, memorial programs, survivor gatherings, and fundraising initiatives, Illinois C.O.P.S. also brings together survivors, law enforcement officers, agencies, volunteers, and communities around one shared purpose: honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and supporting the families and co-workers they left behind.

The generosity of our donors, sponsors, volunteers, law enforcement partners, and communities makes this mission possible. Their support allows Illinois C.O.P.S. to assist survivors in attending weekends, conferences, and programs offered through National Concerns of Police Survivors. These programs provide opportunities for healing, peer support, connection, and continued growth for surviving spouses, parents, siblings, children, significant others, extended family members, and co-workers.

What began in 2004 with a small group of people gathered in a home has grown into a statewide family united by remembrance, service, and an unwavering commitment to our survivors. While Illinois C.O.P.S. has grown and evolved, the foundation on which it was built has never changed.

We support the survivors. We honor the fallen. We stand together as a family. And above all, we will Never Forget.

Please visit www.ilcops.org to learn more about our mission, programs, events, Critical Incident Memorial Team, and the survivors we are honored to serve.