Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Perhaps one of the most moving events in years was held Monday evening in Park Forest. The community gathered en masse for a vigil service, praying for the recovery of critically wounded Officer Timothy Jones of the Park Forest Police Department. Police from surrounding agencies also attended. The service, which included words from Mayor John Ostenburg and Village Manager Tom Mick, culminated when Father Terry Johnson invited all law enforcement personnel present to come to the front of the church.
Vigil Draws Hundreds, Including Law Enforcement
Hundreds of people were in attendance, including law enforcement from Park Forest and surrounding communities. There were numerous moments to tug the heart strings of attendees, including when Father Terry Johnson asked those who carry badges to come to the sanctuary, before all present.
As the many members of law enforcement walked down the center aisle to the sanctuary of the church, those gathered stood and applauded.
Fr. Terry then asked all present to extend their hands in blessing over these men and women as he prayed for them.
St. Irenaeus, arguably the largest church building in Park Forest, was near capacity.
With Police Chief Pete Green standing nearby, Mayor John Ostenburg gave an impassioned reflection:
The service, presented above in full, lasted just shy of 30 minutes.
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