Funeral procession for Tinley Park Police Chief Mike O'Connell

A funeral procession for Tinley Park Police Chief Mike O'Connell passed between two fire trucks that hung an American flag from their extended ladders Monday. The procession included dozens of police vehicles and passed in front of the Tinley Park Police Department before a funeral mass at St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Church.

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[irysheyes19]

My brother WAS on duty as the chief, 24/7...that means 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case you don't know what that means.

[irysheyes19]

btw rummyman, my son is Michael's godson, and he is currently on active duty in Afghanistan. I pray my brother watches over him even closer now.

[irysheyes19]

To rummyman, as I stated my brother each and everyday gave more than he ever ever took. Others always came before him, always - be it family, friend or stranger. I can only hope to follow in his footsteps and try to emulate him. Those who knew him, which were many, loved him dearly and feel our loss every single day. Unfortunately you were not fortunate enough to meet him....I can only hope you have as many people at your burial who love and respect you as did my brother.

[irysheyes19]

Michael O'Connell was my brother &he earned the respect he received that day! He was a very humble charitable man, who always put others before him. Given the choice, he would have asked for a simple burial. Our family was so appreciative of everyone of the people who came to pay their respects. We have been overwhelmed with your kindness & fond memories. For those of you who never knew my brother, it truly is your loss too, for he was the finest of men, who always gave more than he took.

[rummyman]

Again, I just have my opinion on the money that was spent. It was a sad day in Tinley Park. But the spending is overboard. If the man died in the line of duty I would have had my trap shut.

[rummyman]

@DVS1736 Those firetrucks are on full guns just so you know. When the extenders are out like that 4 hydraulic systems are at full power to keep the trucks balanced. So please don't tell me it was 235 dollars. Also lets not forgot a lot of these cops came from different towns. Again!?! Who is paying for that? I just feel in respect to soliders and our current economy - if you didn't die in the line of duty, you should get the same respect as john q public.

[DVS1736]

@rummyman

The police hold a funeral the way they do to pay respect for one of their own. Maybe you should ask why the military doesn't do the same for their own...

[DVS1736]

@rummyman

As far as fuel costs, I'm assuming you haven't attended many funerals. I would be very surprised if the distance these police cars traveled was more than 10 mi. Crown Victorias average 17mpg in city. For argument's sake, lets say each car travels 10 mi. & gas is $4/gal. It comes to about $2.35 per 10 mi. per car. So, between ALL the agencies, about $235 was spent to pay respect for a man who served his community for two decades. Small price when you consider the cost of funerals.

[DVS1736]

@rummyman

There are other cops that are taking care of calls. Not every cop gets to attend the funeral. If something big happened during the procession that required more units than what was available in "reserve", units would break off from the funeral. Something you must understand about the life of a police officer. When you get to attend funerals or enjoy holidays with loved ones, cops must work, rain or shine. Police sacrifice their professional and personal lives for your safety everyday

[rummyman]

God bless the chief. But really? Dozens? That's false. I counted at least 100 squad cars. I thought we Where in a recession and who is paying for all the wasted fuel? Are these guys on duty? What if something actually happen during this procession? It's amazing how we waste money. He didn't die in the line of duty he died in a hospital having heart surgery. Where are all these fire trucks and police cars when a solidier comes home in a casket?  Sad