INFORMATION FROM PHIL HASKETT (RET)

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Raymond J. Collins, August 3, 1950- April 17, 2025, (Ret. CPD), Proud father of Bridget Collins (Tony Reitz); Loving grandfather of Zoey and Aela Reitz; Master of his loyal dog, Tazer; Cherished son of the late Raymond J. (Ret. CPD) and the late Ellen P. (nee Sullivan) Collins; Dear brother of the late Dan (CCME Investigator), the late Mike (Ret. CPD 004), Tom (Denise, nee Dore) Collins, Maureen (Dan) McNamara, Pat (Ret. CFD), Terri (Dan) McDowell, and Jim; Adored uncle to many nieces and nephews; Former spouse of Sharon (nee Carlson) Collins; Fond cousin to the Collins and Sullivan clans of Visitation Parish. Ray was a devoted Chicago Police Officer who worked in Districts 022, 024, and 007. He was also an instructor at the Police Academy and Gym. Ray was a proud alumnus of Visitation Parish (Class of 1964), and Mt. Carmel High School (Class of 1968). He played fullback for the Caravan in the 1967 Prep Bowl City Championship. Ray was a huge sports and music fan. As his favorite band the Beatles wrote, “One day you’ll look to see I’ve gone. For tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun!” Family and friends will gather directly at St. Christina Church, 3342 W. 111th St., Chicago, 60655, Saturday, May 3, 2025, for a Memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ASPCA, www.aspca.org or the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, www.cpdmemorial.org would be appreciated. For Funeral info (708) 422-2700, or www.curleyfuneralhome.com.

From WGN News Chicago 23 April 2025.

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Chicago firefighters are mourning the loss of a fire captain who was killed while battling a garage fire on the city’s West Side early Wednesday morning.54 year Old Captain David Meyer was a 28-year veteran of the Chicago Fire Department. He was tragically killed while crews were responding to a garage fire that broke out around 4 a.m. in the 5500 block of West Crystal in Austin.

Forwarded from retired CPD Sergeant Al Piantkowski:

I just spoke with the CAPS Sgt. from 018, who indicated that he would have plenty of bus transportation available for retirees that choose to park in 018's lot at 1160 N. Larrabee (Larrabee and Division.) In your future emails kindly stress to arrive early to take advantage of the parking and transportation made available to retirees and their accompanying family attendees.

The 93rd Annual Chicago Police Department St. Jude Memorial March will take place on Sunday, 4 May 2025. Chicago Police Retirees are always invited and have been given their own parade marching position contingent. All retirees are encouraged to participate in this time-honored tradition to remember and salute our departed brothers and sisters.

Retirees will meet and assemble starting at 0630 hours on Michigan Avenue just south of Superior St., with a planned step off promptly at 0800 hours. The 018 District has indicated that there will be some retiree parking available in their lot, 1160 N. Larrabee, with bus transportation to the assembly point, so again early arrival is highly advised and recommended to avail this service.

The retiree contingent has again been assigned to march at the beginning of the march within the first few positions. Extended family members and friends are welcome to view the 93rd Annual St. Jude March along both curb lanes along the route on north Michigan Avenue or east Chicago Avenue. We invite you to again join your fellow colleagues in the 'Oldest and Proudest' tradition of the Chicago Police Department, marching again in honor and solidarity.

Once more join in that “ Thin Blue Line” to remember all our departed members as we again continue to show our support to our respected Gold Star Family members, with our promise to them that they will be, 'Always Remembered' and...
"We Will Never Let Them Walk Alone!"

From the CPD Daily bulletin 24 April 2025.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED!

Vctor H. Sugg...............1934
George J. Sperakos…...1952
Erwin Jackson.............1969

DEATH NOTICES!

Passed away 17 April 2025 RETIRED POLICE OFFICER RAYMOND J. COLLINS.
Passed away 21 April 2025 VICTORIA MCCABE, mother of Police Officer D. Kavalauskas, assigned to District 007!

SPECIAL EVENT!

The Chicago Police Department Honor Guard will be hosting the Annual 24 Hour Vigil which will be held at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park on Friday, 25 April 2025. Commencing at 0000 hours Tomorrow, 25 April 2025, and concluding at 2359 hours on the same day, this solemn occasion will begin with the playing of TAPS at 0001 hours, marking the commencement of the Vigil, and will conclude with another rendition of TAPS at 2359 hours. Honor Guard Sentinels will vigilantly stand watch for the full day symbolizing our collective commitment to honoring and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. All members of the community are warmly welcomed to visit the memorial throughout the 24-hour period. Should you wish to pay your respects, wreaths or flowers can be respectfully laid at the water wall, with the assistance of our esteemed Honor Guard. All Units are encouraged to send department vehicles to be present throughout the duration of the Vigil. On-duty members are kindly requested to park their vehicles on the street in front of the water wall with blue lights activated. See AMC 319154 for attached flyer. For any inquiries or further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Honor Guard Coordinator at 312-745-5900. We look forward to your participation in this solemn and meaningful event.