Fallen Illinois officers honored in memorial

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The legacies of fallen officers were honored Thursday in an annual police memorial ceremony.

The event was held at 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the State of Illinois Capitol Complex. Law enforcement from around the state took part.

Along with the memorial service, a wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Capitol. One of the officers honored was Trooper Todd Hanneken, who lost his life in a single-vehicle crash on March 25, 2021. Respects were also paid honoring Chris Oberheim of Champaign.

A total of 11 fallen officers who gave their lives in the line of duty in 2021 were recognized.

State leaders gave tributes. Comptroller Susana Mendoza was sometimes emotional as she talked about her brother, a longtime Chicago police officer, having to battle COVID-19.

Mendoza called on elected officials to do more to stand up for people in law enforcement.

Amber Oberheim, the widow of Chris Oberheim, said she remembers the best things about her late husband's legacy.

"I would want people to remember him as someone who is dedicated, committed, disciplined, humble, kind and has a heart as big as they come," she said.