Two Families of Fallen Officers Honored by ILACP
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police takes part in a solemn tradition each year to recognize Illinois officers who died in the line of duty in the previous year.
Sadly, two Illinois officers were killed in the line of duty in 2023. The families of those two heroes were presented with the Police Cross at the ILACP annual banquet on April 26 in Tinley Park. Members of their families are being awarded this medal as an everlasting tribute to these incredible individuals.
Through this ceremony, ILACP joins law enforcement in making a commitment to never forget these officers who gave their lives to protect and serve their communities. The Police Cross was presented by Immediate Past President Retired Chief Laura King.
The officers listed below were remembered with the Police Cross presented to their families with the gratitude of all police chiefs in Illinois: Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston On May 6, 2023, at approximately 1:40 a.m. Officer Areanah Preston was returning home from work, when multiple armed subjects confronted her, attempting to rob her. Ofc. Preston was able to draw her weapon and exchanged shots with multiple suspects before being mortally wounded. The suspects stole her gun and fled the scene. An officer responding to a nearby crash discovered Officer Preston. The officer rendered aid and transported Preston to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso On March 1, 2023, at approximately 4:45 p.m. officers responded to a call of a man chasing a woman down the street with a gun. Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso and others located the suspect who fled on foot. Ofc. Vasquez Lasso pursued the suspect, during which the suspect opened fire striking Ofc. Vasquez Lasso multiple times. Ofc. Vasquez Lasso returned fire striking and critically wounding the suspect. Officer Vasquez Lasso was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect is currently in custody awaiting trial. Officer Vasquez Lasso was a five-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department.
On May 6, 2023, at approximately 1:40 a.m. Officer Areanah Preston was returning home from work, when multiple armed subjects confronted her, attempting to rob her. Ofc. Preston was able to draw her weapon and exchanged shots with multiple suspects before being mortally wounded. The suspects stole her gun and fled the scene. An officer responding to a nearby crash discovered Officer Preston. The officer rendered aid and transported Preston to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.
Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso
On March 1, 2023, at approximately 4:45 p.m. officers responded to a call of a man chasing a woman down the street with a gun. Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso and others located the suspect who fled on foot. Ofc. Vasquez Lasso pursued the suspect, during which the suspect opened fire striking Ofc. Vasquez Lasso multiple times. Ofc. Vasquez Lasso returned fire striking and critically wounding the suspect. Officer Vasquez Lasso was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect is currently in custody awaiting trial. Officer Vasquez Lasso was a five-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. |
