On May 19, 2023, the Champaign Police Department hosted the annual Police Memorial Ceremony at West Side Park. During the event, Champaign Police honored fallen heroes Thomas Dodsworth, Robert Tatman, and Christopher Oberheim, along with law enforcement officers across the nation who have died in the line of duty. Department staff was joined at the ceremony by elected officials, City staff, area law enforcement, honored guests, and members of the public. The Police Department thanks the Public Works and Fire Departments for their assistance in coordinating this important event. The Communications Division also recorded the ceremony which will be telecast on CGTV and available for on-demand viewing in the weeks ahead.
Following the City’s event at West Side Park, Champaign Police joined law enforcement from across Champaign County for the Countywide Police Memorial Event at the Champaign County Court House. This marked the first time this event was held since before the COVID-19 pandemic.