Project Blue Light : Illinois

08/05/2026

07/05/2026

Today and every day we honor our fallen. Please join us in recognizing our 2026 Honorees.

Though they have gone before us, their legacies remain.

29/04/2026

Police Officer John G. Bartholomew #12963
End of Watch: April 25, 2026

Officer Bartholomew dedicated his life to protecting his fellow Chicagoans. Above all, he was a beloved father, husband, son and brother. We promise to ensure his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

24/02/2026

Missouri

A traffic stop, manhunt, and shootout Monday and Tuesday left 2 deputies dead and 2 more injured.

17/02/2026

Sending our love & support to Indiana tonight 💙

A message from Beech Grove Police Chief Michael Maurice:

"It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that today we lost one of our very own, Officer Brian Elliott. Officer Elliott, along with two other Beech Grove Police Department officers, was dispatched at 6:08 p.m. to the 100 block of Diplomat Court for a disturbance. After they arrived, Officer Elliott and another officer were shot. Both officers were rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, but despite the best lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Officer Elliott succumbed to his injuries. The other officer, who we are not naming at this time, is currently in stable condition and is expected to survive.

My heart goes out to Brian’s wife, Erin, his parents, and all of his family, friends, and loved ones. At this time, I am asking that we lean on one another to get through this.

We are grateful to the team at Eskenazi Hospital, and our law enforcement and community partners for their extraordinary response and support."

14/01/2026

It is with deep sadness that the City of Warrenville shares the passing of Community Service/Animal Control Officer Josh Perry.

Officer Perry passed away on January 13, 2026, at Central DuPage Hospital. He leaves behind his wife, Megan, and their two young children.

Officer Perry joined the City of Warrenville in 2008 and recently celebrated his 18th year of service on January 3. He handled many responsibilities for the City, including parking enforcement, private property accidents, animal control, traffic control, speed trailer placement and data collection, child car seat installations, dog licensing, and bicycle licensing. He also served as one of only 114 state-approved animal humane investigators in Illinois.

Officer Perry also supported many community events and proudly represented Warrenville at Touch A Truck events, Illinois Special Olympics events, and the annual Bike Rodeo. He took a leadership role in organizing National Night Out Against Crime at Cerny Park, which earned the City multiple annual awards. He also helped lead the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots event and helped collect 27 large bags of toys for children in DuPage County.

Officer Perry served with unwavering commitment and dedication to the Warrenville community, and we will deeply miss him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Josh’s family, friends, and loved ones. Our thoughts are also with the Warrenville Police Department and everyone grieving this loss.

Thank you, Josh, for your service to Warrenville. You will be deeply missed.

19/12/2025

Celebration of Life Arrangements for Park Forest Police Officer Timothy M. Jones

On December 27, 2025, a Celebration of Life for Park Forest Police Officer Timothy M. Jones will take place at Tinley Park High School, located at 6111 W. 175th Street, Tinley Park, Illinois. The visitation arrangements are as follows:

Public walk-through: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
First responder walk-through: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Celebration of Life service: 2:00 p.m.

Parking will be available at the high school. All attendees should enter through the field house located on the southeast side of the school, using the entrance on the west side.

Officer Jones was shot in the line of duty on March 19, 2016, sustaining life-altering, catastrophic injuries. For more than nine years, Officer Jones fought courageously through extensive rehabilitation efforts but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on December 3, 2025. His sacrifice, strength, and service will never be forgotten.

04/12/2025

Forever
Our thoughts are with you Park Forest Police Department. 💙

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our friend and fellow officer, Park Forest Detective Tim Jones.

In March of 2016, Tim’s life changed forever when he was critically wounded in the line of duty. He was shot multiple times while bravely taking an armed offender into custody. We were told he wouldn’t survive, but Tim had other plans. With the strength and determination that defined him, he fought back. Day after day, year after year, he pushed through challenges most of us can’t imagine. For nearly 10 years, Tim showed us what courage, resilience, and heart truly look like.

Yesterday, Tim’s long and difficult battle came to an end. And while our hearts are broken, we remain incredibly proud of the fight he gave. Tim will always be an inspiration and a reminder of the power of strength, faith, and the unwavering support of family and loved ones.

We would also like to thank the community for that steadfast support throughout the years. From every blue porch light to the viral hashtag, we saw our community rally around Tim, and we are truly grateful.

We ask that you keep Tim’s family in your thoughts and respect their privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Public funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized, but we will share them as soon as they become available.

03/11/2025

From Chief Lalley:

It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the unexpected death of Sergeant Rich Free.

Sergeant Free passed away this morning, while off duty, at the age of 44 from complications from an illness. Our condolences and prayers go out to Rich’s family, his friends, and to all those he served with during his more than 11 years as an officer with the Elgin Police Department where he honorably served as a member of our SWAT Team and Honor Guard.

Our police department family will do everything possible to provide support and comfort to Rich’s family, and we ask the community to respect the family’s privacy as they go through this difficult time. As our entire department is mourning with the Free family, please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

More information regarding arrangements will be forthcoming.

12/08/2025

We are heartbroken to share the loss of Joliet Police Department K9 Officer Daniel Willis, who unexpectedly passed away yesterday due to complications from a medical procedure while off duty.

K9 Officer Daniel Willis, 52, was a dedicated 20-year veteran of the Joliet Police Department. Officer Willis devoted his life to the service of others, beginning his law enforcement career as a cadet with the Palos Hills Police Department. He then served as a Sheriff’s Deputy with the Cook County Sheriff's Office, as well as an Officer with the Chicago Police Department, prior to joining the Joliet Police Department in 2005.

Over the years, Officer Willis served with distinction in the Patrol Division, Neighborhood Oriented Policing Team, and most recently, the Joliet Police K-9 Unit alongside his loyal partner, K9 Ady. He was also a valued member of the Joliet Police Honor Guard.

Officer Willis earned numerous awards and commendations, yet those who knew him best remember his kindness, quick wit, humor, and generous spirit. Dan’s presence brought comfort and strength not only to our department but to the entire community he served.

Officer Willis is survived by his loving wife and two teenage sons. Please join us in keeping Officer Willis’s family and the entire Joliet Police Department in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

10/08/2025

On August 10, 2015, Deputy Craig Whisenand made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a call for help. He served with courage, honor, and compassion—qualities that left a lasting mark on the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office and our community.

Today, ten years later, his spirit continues to inspire us. We remember the man who served with dedication, the friend who brought laughter, and the deputy who gave everything for the safety of others.

Craig, you are missed, but you will never be forgotten. 💙

End of Watch: August 10, 2015