Garfield Ridge, Summit planning pro-police event

Two months after nearly 70 men, women and children stood at Archer and Nashville in darkness, rain and near-freezing temperaturesÑall to show support for Chicago police officersÑthose same people and possibly hundreds more are expected to rally at Archer and Harlem avenues at noon Saturday, April 2.

ÒA turnout of that many people in that kind of weather, on short notice, said a lot about the strong character of our neighborhoods,” said Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch President Al Cacciottolo. ÒIf the springtime weather is good and enough people know about this ahead of time, we may get 10 times as many people as before.”

Plans for the 60-minute rally were announced by Cacciottolo at the watch’s March meeting, held at St. Jane de Chantal Parish’s Ward Hall. About 50 people attended.

Cacciottolo said that the Summit Police Department would stage a similar rally on the west side of Archer and Harlem at the same time, as a coordinated city-suburban show of support for law enforcement.{{more}}

The February rally was held, at least in part, Cacciottolo said, by a report in a daily newspaper that he said unfairly tarred and feathered Garfield Ridge as a haven for police officers accused of misconduct.

The April 2 rally was scheduled, at least in part, as a reaction to the Palm Sunday Takeover, a protest by the Community Renewal Society against police brutality. The protest, which included blocking streets, station entrances and other acts of civil disobedience, was held at most CPD stations, including the 8th District.

ÒThis rally will be strong, but lawful and peaceful,” Cacciottolo added. ÒWe will stay on the sidewalks and not block streets. Archer and Harlem is a high-visibility location, and we intend to use it to put our community’s best foot forward as we show our support for our Eighth District police.”

The weather forecast for April 2 call for temperatures in the high 40s with little chance of rain. Those interested in participating are encouraged to wear blue and make signs of support for police. All are expected to gather on the sidewalks adjacent to the Walgreens on the intersection’s northeast corner, as well as sidewalks adjacent to Joe & Frank’s Market, on the southeast corner.