Dear Chicago,

Today we solemnly sent home Office John Bartholomew to God.  Surrounded by the warmth and compassion of the hundreds, his surviving family was able to say their final goodbye with the knowledge that his life mattered and his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of law enforcement.

As many of you prepare for an eventful Mother’s Day weekend, please take a moment to offer up a prayer for the mothers whose sons or daughters will never come home, especially those who gave the ultimate measure in defense of others they never knew.

May God bless all mothers and may love continue to be our most enduring generational trait.

Get a blue lightbulb today to support Officer John Bartholomew and his family during this challenging time.

On Sunday, I was at the St. Jude’s Memorial Parade to honor fallen officers. An event that brought together community members, police officers, their families, and supporters to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.  The parade served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our heroes and supporting their families in times of loss.

I had the privilege of participating in the Run to Remember 5K, an event dedicated to honoring the fallen officers of the City of Chicago. It was truly an honor to be part of this meaningful gathering that pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The final stretch of the race featured a powerful display, a collective picture of every officer who lost their life in service, serving as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice and the ongoing commitment to remember and honor them.

I was deeply honored to participate in the Polish American Police Association's annual banquet, an event that brings together community leaders, law enforcement professionals, and dedicated public servants. On the occasion, I had the privilege of receiving the Outstanding Public Servant of the Year Award, a recognition I was deeply grateful for. This experience was both inspiring and humbling, reaffirming my dedication to serving others and strengthening the ties between law enforcement and the communities we serve.

Link

First Pitch at Gage Park Little League

Abandoned Truck Towed at 56th St

50th St Resurfacing

Bulk Pickup at 47th Pl

Chavez Renaming Ballot

Come into the 15th Ward Office to pick up a ballot to make your voice heard on the renaming of Cesar Chavez Multicultural Academy. We urge Back of the Yards residents to pick it up here and drop it off at Chavez (4747 S Marshfield Ave)

You can vote for up to 10 options.

Board Up Request at 48th / Hermitage

Illegal Mechanic at 48th / Hoyne

Boat Towed at 55th / Hamilton

Tree Root Removed at 55th / Oakley

Abandoned Vehicle Towed at 57th St

Alley Cleaning Efforts in West Englewood

Fly Dumping at 46th Pl

Tree Debris on 49th St

If you witness any criminal activity or notice suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, please report it immediately. Call 911 first to ensure a timely response from the Chicago Police Department, and then notify the 15th Ward Office at (773) 823-1539 so we can follow up and provide support where needed. Your vigilance and cooperation play a vital role in keeping our community safe. Together, we can make the 15th Ward a safer place for all.

CHANGES COMING SOON! BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CAPS CALENDAR UPDATES!

2026 CONSTRUCT Infrastructure Academy

Alderman Raymond Lopez is pleased to share that the Chicago Park District is offering a new round of Veteran and Military Programs this winter, running from early January through mid-March. These programs provide veterans and active-duty service members with opportunities to stay active, build community, and support overall wellness through professionally led recreational and fitness activities at local park facilities.

All equipment is provided, and programs are offered in a supportive, welcoming environment. Registration is required, and participants must provide proof of military service. Veterans and service members interested in participating are encouraged to register in advance and contact the program coordinators for additional details.

Chicago’s Food Scrap Drop-Off Program makes it easy for residents to compost food waste and reduce what goes into our landfills. Items like fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be dropped off at designated neighborhood sites at no cost.

This simple step helps cut down on odors and pests, reduces methane emissions, and supports the production of compost used in parks and green spaces across the city.

I encourage residents of the 15th Ward to participate by bringing food scraps in a reusable container and following posted site guidelines. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods cleaner and make Chicago a more sustainable city.

Drop Off Map