Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— The Village of Park Forest will begin formal recognition of the life and death of Detective Tim Jones. This will happen with a Resolution at Monday’s Board Meeting. The resolution notes the remarkable career and fight for life after he suffered critical injuries in March 2016. He joined the Park Forest Police Department in June 2015. His service and fight ended last week.
The following is from a tribute piece from the Village of Park Forest. The resolution follows.
Detective Tim Jones: Remarkable Fight for Life
With his remarkable fight for life, Park Forest Detective Tim Jones, critically wounded in a 2016 line-of-duty shooting, galvanized a nationwide show of support. He died last Wednesday. The Park Forest Police Department announced his death. He was 34.
Jones’ passing marks the end of a nearly 10-year journey defined by resilience, faith, and an unwavering community rallying behind him.
“In March of 2016, Tim’s life changed forever when he was critically wounded in the line of duty,” the Park Forest Police Department stated on Facebook. “We were told he wouldn’t survive, but Tim had other plans. Day after day, year after year, he pushed through challenges most of us can’t imagine.”
Jones, a Tinley Park native and second-generation police officer, joined the Park Forest Police Department in June 2015. He was less than a year into his service when, on March 19, 2016, he suffered multiple gunshot wounds. This happened while taking an armed offender into custody after responding to a break-in. The injuries were devastating. Strikes to his neck and jaw left him with life-threatening trauma. Doctors warned his family he would likely not survive the first days.
Defied Every Expectation
But Jones defied every expectation. His recovery became a story closely followed throughout the region. As he underwent extensive surgeries and years of rehabilitation, many observed. The phrase “Tim Strong,” coined shortly after the shooting, quickly became a symbol of his fight. It also represented the community’s belief in him. Blue porch lights appeared throughout Park Forest. There were numerous fundraisers. Residents wore shirts and signs honoring him. The hashtag #TimStrong reached thousands.
Over the years, public recognition of Jones’ courage continued. Village leaders routinely honored him at board meetings. In 2018, Park Forest designated a section of Lakewood Boulevard as Honorary Officer Tim Jones Way. His locker remained at the police department. He served as an honorary detective and was deeply beloved by officers and staff.
As anniversaries of the shooting passed, residents continued to pay tribute—wearing blue, sharing memories, and reminding one another of the strength Jones embodied. His story became part of Park Forest’s identity. It was a testament to perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.
Detective Tim Jones will always be an inspiration.
“Tim will always be an inspiration, and a reminder of what courage, resilience, and heart truly look like,” the department said. “We remain incredibly proud of the fight he gave.”
The police department thanked the community for its nearly decade-long unwavering support.
“From every blue porch light to the viral #TimStrong hashtag, we saw our community rally around Tim,” the statement said. “We are truly grateful.”
The Village asked the public to keep Jones’ family in their thoughts and respect their privacy. This request comes as they navigate their loss. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized and will be shared as soon as they become available.
Photos from the dedication of Tim Jones Way, March 19, 2018
Photos by Gary Kopycinski
