honor, serve, protect - Village of Morton Grove

Officer Barry Shalin Memorial and
Dedication Ceremony
The Morton Grove Police Department held a solemn ceremony marking the
twentieth anniversary of the death of Officer Barry Shalin, who was killed in the
line of duty on October 9, 1989. The Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald
Society, Chicago Police Department, marched to formally open the ceremony as
they played “We Honor the Fallen.” The bagpipes grace our law enforcement
traditions at joyful events, but they also signify the death of a warrior. The
legend implies mournful bagpipe music is “a sign to God that a brave and loyal
soul is on the way to sit at the steps of the throne.”
It is within this backdrop that the Village formally
welcomed the Shalin family back to Morton Grove,
where Barry grew up, attended our schools, and after
serving our country in the Navy, joined the Morton
Grove Police Department. We gathered to remember,
to honor, and to communicate his sacrifice to new
generations, so they may recognize our heritage and
may better appreciate the meaning of sacrifice and service. Members of the current
Morton Grove Police Department participated; the Morton Grove Police
Department Honor Guard and the U.S. Marine Honor Guard presented the colors;
Rabbi Kenneth Cohen offered the invocation; Mayor Dan Staackmann spoke and
read a special proclamation which declared every October 9 th as Officer Barry Shalin
Day in the Village; retired Morton Grove Police Chief Larry Schey spoke eloquently
on behalf of the retired officers, and Officer Rich Callaghan articulated meaningful
thoughts on behalf of current police officers.
As family, friends, dignitaries and former officers observed, a new bench and star were dedicated “to ensure
Officer Shalin’s memory will live on, and to stand as a tribute to those who wear the uniform now, for it’s
location demands that each time an officer enters
or exits the police building, he or she will be
reminded of the fragile nature of life, and the
brave and selfless sacrifice that needs to be made
for the protection of our community.”
Since Officer Shalin’s death in 1989, almost
3,400 law enforcement officers nationwide
have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Morton Grove Police Department 2009 Annual Report Page 4