Chicago Celebrates Police Officer Michael R. Bailey
Ernest Sanders
Published: July 31, 2010
Chicago police officer Michael R. Bailey's casket is draped with the American Flag at Saint Sabina Church
Ernest Sanders
78th & Throop Street took on a different avenue other than normal residential traffic flow. Celebratory sounds of bagpipes and drums filled the air as the Chicago Police Department’s Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society band performed awe-inspiring selections to lead the procession of Officer Bailey.
Thereafter, the Chicago Police Department’s Honor Guard marched to a most serene and peaceful sound of quietness to usher the remains of Officer Bailey into the sanctuary of Saint Sabina Church.
The American Flag is hoisted in honor of Officer Michael R. Bailey at the intersection of 79th and Racine in Auburn Gresham.
Ernest Sanders
This funeral service was quite the contrary to others. On the outside, the Chicago Fire Department elevated the American Flag from a fire truck, while inside the church, praise and worship musical selections were offered by the Saint Sabina Levite Choir, along with dance from a member of Saint Sabina’s Spirit of David ministry.
Tributes were given by some of Officer Bailey’s closest relatives, friends, and colleagues to include the Chicago Police Department’s Superintendent Jody Weis and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
Superintendent Weis said, “Enough is enough…We will not allow cowards to ruin our neighborhoods with gangs, drugs and guns.” He encouraged us to be a reflection of Officer Bailey’s commitment to his own community and work side by side with law officials and other communities.
Mayor Daley urged the congregation to, “Be Not Afraid.” He reminded everyone that law enforcement, the military, block club and church members, and the community, were all groups that Officer Bailey shared his commitment to life. He asked that we be as responsible as Officer Bailey to serve and protect and not be silent about criminal activity that exists in our communities.
Father Michael Pfleger, pastor of Saint Sabina Church offered words of comfort. He reminded us that Officer Bailey was more than a public servant in uniform. “He was a mentor and teacher who loved his community and loved his family.” Pfleger too inspired the crowd to bring their professional experience and expertise to their community as Officer Bailey did. “Officer Bailey was a real person and real role model who care, had integrity and respect for people.”
A Chicago police officer salutes his fellow officer, Michael R. Bailey.
Ernest Sanders
Pfleger concluded his eulogy by telling the congregation to honor Officer Bailey by not becoming spectators. “We have to stop ignoring our human capital. We must get involved with our youth again. We cannot be silent. We must eliminate the code of silence evident in Chicago. We must take away the fear factor so that we do not remain hostage. This fear factor will destroy our community. Adults we must face the fear factor so that our children do not have to grow-up and be afraid. If you want to honor Officer Bailey, get involved; stand up to the NRA; write letters to Washington, DC; ban assault weapons; stop easy access to guns; treat this situation as a public epidemic.”
Officer Bailey was not your typical person. As duly noted, he was a public servant - extraordinaire. He served in the Air Force, was a firefighter at a Glenview Naval Air Station, a police officer in Washington, DC and was weeks away from retirement after serving more than twenty years as a Chicago Police Officer.
Chicago Police Department's superintendent Jody Weis (R) sits with Mayor Richard M. Daley and other law enforcement officials at police officer Michael R. Bailey's funeral at Saint Sabina Church.
Ernest Sanders
He was also a mentor who served on the Local School Council for Chicago Public School's – Hirsch High School and had a passion for martial arts, especially Tai Chi and Aikido in which he had earned a black belt.
Just returning home from his over night shift of guarding the home of Mayor Richard M. Daley, Bailey was outdoors washing his new car (an early retirement gift to himself) when his right to life violated.
While Officer Bailey leaves his wife, five children, fourteen grandchildren, a brother and two sisters along with a host of other relatives and friends, he also leaves behind precious memories and relationships that will never be forgotten.
Click here for more details about Officer Bailey and how you can help to capture his assailant. There is a significant reward available.
Posted in Auburn Gresham in the News