Chicago Police Memorial Foundation

On July 17th 1970 two Chicago Police Officers were in a volunteer program to leave their squad cars and walk among the people they swore to protect in the Cabrini Green Housing Project. Both officers organized baseball games, bought ice cream for the kids and genuinely tried to make a difference. On that hot July afternoon they were both murdered with high powered rifles to seal a pact between two gangs. One of those officers was my Uncle Jim. Sgt Jim Severin and Officer Tony Rizzato were assassinated that day. The murderers were brought to justice but in a horrible twist of fate, both families must endure regular parole opposition hearings. We have been attending paroles hearings since 1983.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary both families have agreed to shift our focus from us to the half-century of CPD officers who have never forgotten our families sacrifice. This year, especially, we want the CPD to know that we have their back. To do this we will try and purchase 10 bullet proof vests to help defray the costs to our CPD officers.  All money donated will go directly to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation thru this page. Please help our families show what CPD support has meant to us for 50 years. 

Cost of vest complete with outer cover $650.00
Cost of just the vest $500.00


The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation provides support and financial assistance to the families of Chicago Police officers who were killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.