Durbin Pays Tribute To Fallen Chicago Police Officer During National Police Week

May 14, 2026 Durbin Pays Tribute To Fallen Chicago Police Officer During National Police Week The tribute occurred at a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where Senators advanced six bipartisan bills in support of law enforcement WASHINGTON – In a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, paid tribute to Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, who was fatally shot as he and his partner were monitoring a robbery suspect at a hospital in Illinois last month . “Last week, Mr. Chairman, when we were home, I visited the memorial service to Officer John Bartholomew. It was at the Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago. There was an amazing turnout to salute this 38-year-old officer, who died in the line of duty and left [behind] his wife and three young children,” began Durbin. “On the day when his body was taken to its final rest, they closed down Lake Shore Drive for hours, so that all of the police cars from all of the surrounding jurisdictions could join in the solemn procession. It was a somber week in Chicago because of his loss,” continued Durbin. “We salute him for his bravery, and thank his family for giving us his example to guide our own lives,” concluded Durbin. The tribute occurred at a Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where Senators advanced six bipartisan bills in support of law enforcement: S. 736, Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act S. 825, Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025 S. 4394, Promoting Police Leadership Act S. 3897, Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefit Program Expansion Act of 2026 S. 1890, Carla Walker Act S. 3041, Tribal Warrant Fairness Act Video of Durbin’s tribute is available here . Audio of Durbin’s tribute is available here . Footage of Durbin’s tribute is available here for TV Stations. -30- Print Email Share Tweet