Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s ‘Get Behind the Vest’ event raises funds for officer safety gear

CHICAGO – Over 1,000 people headed to St. John Fisher School in West Beverly Sunday morning for an annual fundraiser in support of Chicago’s police officers and their safety on the job.

The fundraiser “Get Behind the Vest” featured a pancake breakfast and was hosted by Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th Ward).

All the money raised goes to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Get Behind the Vest initiative that buys new bulletproof vests for Chicago police officers.

“They protect us; we’re going to protect them,” O’Shea said.

To date, the annual gathering has raised nearly $700,000 to purchase new vests.

O’Shea said vests need to be replaced every five years due to normal wear and tear. They cost about $600 each and he explained why replacing them falls on private donations.

“For whatever reason they are not replaced, they should be. That would be part of a collective bargaining agreement between the FOP and the City of Chicago. The fact of the matter is they are not provided. Lucky for us, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is taking this on. I’m just happy our small community can be a small part of it,” O’Shea said.

The Original Pancake House in Beverly donates the food while Mariano’s donates the condiments.

Other local businesses have also stepped up to help make the gathering a successful one.

“The general public wants police to be there and they respect the work they do,” CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said. “The threat a police officer faces, that hasn’t changed. It’s probably changed for the worst, but police officers get up, do the work, and I want the public to understand they do the work for them.”