Chicago Park District Renames Park in Honor of Fallen Police Officer

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News

The Chicago Park District General Superintendent, Michael Kelly and Alderman Ed Burke join the family of late Chicago Police Officer Irma C. Ruiz and members of the Archer Heights community for the ceremonious renaming of Walnut Park, located at 3801 W. 45th Street in honor of fallen Chicago police officer, Irma C. Ruiz. Ruiz became one of the first female officers in the Chicago Police Department history to be killed in the line of duty. On September 22, 1988, Ruiz and her partner Officer Greg Jaglowski responded to a call from a local school for assistance with an unruly student. A heavily armed gunman entered the school and opened fire, injuring Officer Jaglowski and fatally striking Officer Ruiz in the chest. Graduating from the Chicago Police Academy on Oct. 1, 1976, Officer Irma C. Ruiz was among the first female officers assigned to the Grand Crossing District. Irma C. Ruiz Park is located in the Archer Heights community. The park offers a small playground that was renovated in the fall of 2015 as part of Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Plays! Program and a soccer mini pitch that opened in July of this year. Earlier this month, Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners voted to rename Walnut Park in honor of Officer Irma C. Ruiz after an overwhelming show of community support.

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News

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