Vigil held for fallen CPD officer Areanah Preston – NBC Chicago

Family, friends, supporters and fellow officers held a vigil Wednesday night outside Chicago’s Gold Star Families Memorial for fallen officer Areanah Preston.

Preston was shot near her Avalon Park home shortly after her shift on May 6.

Prior to the vigil, Preston’s name was added to the Gold Star Families Memorial Wall.

“The wall carries an immeasurable amount of love. Each name represents a family, a community, a district, a partner,” said Sandra Wortham, president of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

Wortham’s brother was a Chicago police officer who was killed in the line of duty.

Part of the foundation’s purpose is to provide assistance to the 56 children of fallen or seriously injured officers, including financial assistance to help pay for their education.

“For me, it’s huge. I have three children, college, high school and CE1,” said Maria Marmelejo, whose husband was killed in the line of duty.

Tonight’s vigil included remarks from the Gold Star families, Mayor Brandon Johnson and the CPD Acting Superintendent. Fred Waller.

“In the face of opposition, know that the city of Chicago has your back,” Johnson said.

Preston, a two-year veteran of the department, is the 600th and newest name added to the memorial wall.