As a third-generation Chicago cop, Sgt. Alan Haymaker knew the dangers of his work, but a deep faith guided him, colleagues and friends say.
Just last December, after two decades of working in some of the city's most violent areas, Haymaker, 56, transferred to a seemingly safer district.
But in the early-morning hours Monday, after snow had blanketed the city, he was killed in the line of duty after his squad car spun out on an apparently icy stretch of Lake Shore Drive. Haymaker, assigned to work the street on the overnight shift in the Town Hall District, was responding to a call of a burglary in progress when he crashed, officials said.
The car smashed into a tree and pole, trapping him inside, said James Jackson, an assistant police superintendent. He was pronounced dead about two and a half hours later. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
"Icy road conditions were a factor," Jackson told reporters. "Words cannot express the sorrow we feel at his loss."
Haymaker, the first officer to die in the line of duty this year, was southbound on Lake Shore Drive about 5:30 a.m. when he responded to the burglary at a cell-phone store in the 3100 block of North Clark Street. He lost control of the car near Irving Park Road, according to witnesses
Thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Sgt. Al Haymaker
10 comments:
IS IT TRUE SOMEONE GAVE THE ORDER NOT TO SALT LSD? RIP SARGE.
God Bless you Al!
If anyone is in heaven it is you. You are a true believer.
To Everyone: Al was THE most cautious guy that was out there.. he really took NO chances.
This goes to show you if it can happen to him, it could happen to anyone.
PLEASE.. Be Careful in everything you do out there for the sake of your families.
My condolences to this officers family and to his CPD family. It is always sad when something like this occurs, but please know that the citizens of Chicago really do appreciate all that these officers do for us. He will now be protecting us from above.
The nicest man in the world. He was a man of God, adored and loved his wife and daughters. Most of all he loved being a COP!!
God Bless
Aurora PD
God Bless
Aurora PD
God bless the family and coworkers of Sgt. Haymaker. He rests with his Savior now.
God bless the Bethel family and the Chicago police department for taking care of Sgt. Haymaker's family. Srg. Haymaker was a wonderful person and a true follower of Chr
ist.
Very sorry for all of CPDs loss. You are brave men and women who have to deal with dangerous situations everyday...thank you all for keeping Chicago as safe as possible, you do make a difference no matter what some people say.
RIP Sarge. CFD sends its prayers out to you guys. Let us know when the fundraiser for the family is, we will be there. CFD Blaze
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