Prayer vigil held for Chicago police officer shot, killed in Gage Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — It has been an emotional week for the Chicago Police Department and the entire city, has continued with another procession and vigil at the 22nd District on Saturday.

There was a prayer vigil in Mount Greenwood for fallen Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso. He was shot to death on Wednesday night, allegedly by an 18-year-old man, who was shot and wounded.

Officers filed into the courthouse on Friday afternoon, showing up in uniform as the accused murderer was denied bond.

SEE ALSO | Impact of Chicago police officer’s murder ripples through first responders’ families

In court, prosecutors said the suspect, Steven Montano, had been fighting with his girlfriend on Wednesday afternoon when she called police, saying he threatened to get his gun. Prosecutors said Montano hopped the fence with a loaded gun and magazine, running from police and toward nearby Sawyer Elementary.

That’s when officials said Vasquez Lasso jumped out of his partner’s squad car to chase him, screaming at Montano to stop.

The power of prayer and love has been holding Chicago strong this weekend as the city continues to mourn the loss of Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso.

Robert Swiderski is a local leader of a nonprofit that hosted a prayer and walk on Saturday at CPD’s 8th District headquarters, where unity turned into therapy.

“I felt compelled to do something. I believe that God has given us gifts of time, talent or treasure. And, it’s not for us to keep, but to give away,” Swiderski said.

Swiderski is the son of a retired Chicago police officer, and has more officers within his family. He said the tragedy of this week hit close to home, making it even more important to rally around these officers and Vasquez Lasso’s family.

“You know, letting the officers know that they are not alone, letting the family know that we’re here for them,” Swiderski said.

The walk will go on until 10 a.m. Sunday. That’s when the group will end at the 8th District with another prayer. Within the group are a number of supporters, first responders and Gold Star families who know exactly what Vasquez Lasso’s family is going through.

Donna Marquez lost her brother 20 years ago. He was killed in the line of duty while serving a warrant in the 25th District.

“I would never have thought my life would turn this way, but it’s okay, because I’m going be there as other Gold Star families are there for Officer Andres’ whole family,” Marquez said. “It was my brother’s time to go. That’s all I can think of, is because, you know, God has turned a lot of good that came out of the bad. They have a school named in his honor.”

RELATED | Chicago police officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso shot, killed in Gage Park; suspect charged with murder

It’s a sense of mourning that never really stops for these families, and for these officers. But, with love and prayer, everyone moves forward together.

“Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso was not only our protector, but he was our neighbor. He is from this community, and he worked in this community. And now, more than ever, we need to come together as a community to support his family, because they’re our family,” said 23rd Ward Alderwoman Silvana Tabares.

Father Dan Brandt has ministered with the Chicago Police department for 20 years, and said in just the last 12, he has helped lay at least 20 officers to rest.

Saturday’s vigil started at 12:30 p.m.