Chicago police funeral: Fallen Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso mourned at St. Rita of Cascia

CHICAGO — Slain Chicago police officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso was remembered Thursday as a “man with a big heart” who was “humble and happy” as he worked for “justice and community.”

Those words were spoken by his commander, Bryan Spreyne, who told the officer’s family and friends who packed St. Rita of Cascia Church that “the heartache of your loss is shared across the city.”

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Vásquez Lasso, killed in the line of duty a week ago, personified the American dream, said Spreyne, commander of the 8th district where Vásquez Lasso worked. He came to the United States from Colombia at the age of 18, learned English, then entered the Chicago Police Department at 27, Spreyne said. He wanted to become a detective.

“Like many people across the city these past few days, I’ve been trying to make sense of a tragedy that doesn’t make sense,” Spreyne said from the pulpit.

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“Police officers are here to connect and protect communities and to keep our neighborhoods safe,” he said. “That’s what Officer Mauricio Vásquez Lasso did every day. And that’s what he was doing on March 1 when his life was cut short.

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Earlier, Police Supt. David Brown told the family of Vásquez Lasso that “we grieve with you and will never forget the sacrifice that Andres has made. At times like these, we are in despair. We don’t believe anyone really cares about the sacrifices that are made, or knows the courage it takes to constantly run toward danger,” Brown said.

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“Another hero taken from us far too soon,” he said. “He inspired all who knew him.”

Officer Saúl Cantería, who attended the police academy with Vásquez Lasso, read a message from his phone that he sent the officer: “I keep thinking about how, 10 minutes before, that I saw you in the car. And we talked about our shades because it was finally a sunny day.

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“I keep thinking how in 15 days we would have made 5 years since we started this policing journey. I keep thinking of how you always wanted to be the police. Despite everything that comes with this, you loved it,” he said.

WATCH | Fallen officer’s cousin Jhon Vásquez speaks

Vásquez Lasso’s cousin Jhon Vásquez rose to tell the crowd: “Andres was one of the bravest and most selfless individuals I have ever known. He was always willing to put himself in harms way to help others, and he did so without hesitation. … He was a true hero in every sense of the word.”

The Rev. Dan Brandt read a letter from one of Vásquez Lasso’s work partners, identified as Gina.

“It was an honor working alongside you on beat 211. … You had such a kind heart and a gentle soul. We’ve got it from here, brother in blue. Until next time,” said Brandt, director of Chicago Police Chaplins Ministry.

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At the visitation Wednesday, there was a huge turnout of law enforcement at the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn, where long lines of people waited to pay their final respects to the officer who died protecting his community.

Photos shared from the Chicago Police Department show officers saluting the casket of the five-year veteran, which was draped in the Chicago flag.

WATCH | Chicago police officers gather outside St. Rita

Cook County Sheriff’s deputies and the Chicago Fire Department were among the many mourners there to pay respect to the 32-year-old officer.

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Those who have felt this magnitude of grief before, Gold Star Families who have lost a loved one on the job at CPD, were also there to show support for this devastated family.

Among them was Sandra Wortham, whose brother, Thomas, was a CPD officer killed during a robbery in 2010.

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“It’s very important for us to be here, as difficult as it is, because we know what this family’s going through, we know what they will go through, and we know how important it was for us to see the support of not only the Chicago Police Department, but also the families who have experienced a similar loss,” Wortham said.

Vasquez Lasso died last Wednesday after being shot at close range while chasing down an armed domestic violence suspect in Gage Park.

Lasso’s family has started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs and provide support to his loved ones going forward.

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ABC7 Chicago contributed to this report.