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Crime & Safety

Police Chief Takes Part in Last Red and Blue Sunday Before Retirement

Chicago Miracle Temple Church took a day to pay tribute to the firefighters and police officers in Chicago Heights.

Gift bags waited on the platform at in Chicago Heights.

The congregation had spent the previous week filling the bags with small items as tokens of appreciation to the men and women who serve them as emergency responders. The church has been doing this since 1996, calling it "Red and Blue Sunday."

For Chief Michael Camilli, this will be the last he experiences as a cop. The chief will be hang up his badge at the end of June.

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"It's been 36 years," Camilli said.

Camilli, along with Chief Jamie Angell, was presented with appreciation plaques from the Rev. William Anderson and his wife Cheryl, who is co-pastor.

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"It's a pleasure for us to be servants," said Cheryl. "We live to be servants for Chicago Heights and the surrounding communities."

It was good for these to responders to know how much they are loved and respected as they go about their jobs, sometimes taking them to dangerous moments.  

Chicago Miracle Temple hoped a box of peanut brittle added some sweet appreciation to each one after Chrystal Anderson sang "Encourage Yourself."

Police Chaplain Ronnie White spoke about the police memorial and the tributes paid to those who lost their lives working in this line of work. "We haven't lost any officer this year," White said. Applause could be heard throughout the church.

After a homemade meal, the firefighters could be heard telling their brothers they will be back again.

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