Ceremonies in Springfield were held on Thursday morning to honor those killed in the line of duty over the last year. 11 men and women were honored during the annual police memorial ceremony. Those killed include Chicago Police Officer Ella French, Pontoon Beach Officer Tyler Timmins, and Champaign Officer Christopher Oberheim. Secretary of State Jesse White thanked the many men and women who gave their life protecting Illinoisans. 

With prayers being read, bagpipes being played, and state officials speaking including White, Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, and many others, Comptroller Susana Mendoza, whose brother is a Chicago police detective, encouraged family members telling them they were not alone.

The names of fallen officers in Illinois are etched on the official memorial on the State Capitol Lawn.