Celebs turn out to honor fallen cops

BY MAUDLYNE IHEJIRIKA Staff Reporter
Chicago Sun Times

Real cops mingled with TV cops Saturday night as thousands turned out to raise money for a tribute to officers killed in the line of duty.

"I think it's a long time coming," said actor Dennis Farina. "They've done it nationally, and it's time we do it here. I actually think this might be the start of something big, that other cities might follow suit after Chicago does it. And of course, as always, Chicago is a trendsetter."

Farina, a former Chicago Police officer and now star of TV's "Law & Order," was among several celebrities with Chicago ties who converged at the Arie Crown Theater to raise money for the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park for fallen police officers.

Gala-goers hobnobbed with such TV cops as Steppenwolf veteran Gary Sinise of "CSI: NY," Dennis Franz of "NYPD Blue," William Peterson of "CSI" and Larry Manetti of "Magnum P.I.," basking in the actors' support for those who protect and serve.

The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has passed the halfway mark in its effort to raise $5 million, and officials hope the star-studded fund-raising efforts will bring them within reach of their goal.

The five-acre park, which will be between Soldier Field and Burnham Harbor, is scheduled to open next year.

Hosted by comedian Tom Dreesen, the event also included such celebrities as "Wedding Crashers" actor Vince Vaughn, Second City native and "Cheers" star George Wendt, former Bears coach Mike Ditka and members of his 1985 Super Bowl-winning team.

"I'm just proud to be a part of it," Vaughn said. "It's just a chance to say 'thank you' to the people that go the distance every day for you and me. Some of them, unfortunately, give the ultimate sacrifice, and this is a way to say 'we appreciate you.' "

An all-faith service at the existing Gold Star Memorial Park will be held at noon today to cap off the "Salute to Chicago's Finest" weekend.

With the support of the Chicago Sun-Times and other sponsors, the foundation hosted a candlelight vigil and 5K run earlier this year for the memorial.

"We all wanted to come home to do this. It's a chance for those of us who love this city to come back and say 'thank you' to the men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day," Dreesen said.

Posted by Christine at August 28, 2005 6:50 AM