Chicago Police Department honors fallen officers including Aréanah Preston

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The family of fallen Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston broke down in tears Wednesday as her name was revealed on the Gold Star Memorial Wall – honoring officers who gave their lives serving the city.

Following the Gold Star ceremony, friends and family reflected on Preston's sacrifice at a candlelight vigil.

All afternoon and evening, Chicago Police officers – along with their families – paid an emotional tribute to fallen officers who died serving their city, dating as far back as the 1850s and early as four months ago.

"I call her name – Police Officer Aréanah Makayla Preston, star number 15870, end of watch 6 May 2023," said Chicago Police First Deputy Supt. William Bradley, "because she will never, ever be forgotten."

Preston's name is now etched in stone on the wall at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park outside Soldier Field. She is also forever in the hearts and minds of those who loved her.

"Make no mistake – Officer Aréanah Preston lived with courage and determination in all aspects of her life," said Phil Cline, executive director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and former Chicago Police superintendent.

Her name marked the 600th on the memorial wall, joining the all the other officers who like her, died while serving the city of Chicago.

Preston was just days away from graduating with her master's of jurisprudence from the Loyola University School of Law this past May, when she was shot and killed during a robbery outside her Avalon Park home. She was 24 years old.

Preston was a two-and-a-half-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department.

Preston's mother honored her memory Wednesday wearing yellow – her daughter's favorite color - as she was consoled by the message of those who worked with her. Preston was called "a star amongst the stars."

Joining Preston's family were hundreds of police cadets, families, and fellow officers – gathering to remember the fallen officers.

Among them was Jenny Jurzak - who was there to support one daughter who will soon be joining the police force, and another daughter who is already part of it.

"You just don't know what could happen," Jurzak said. "You know, you know they're safe, they're cognizant of what's going on, they know how to do their job. But you just don't know."

The memorial culminated in a celebration of life for all those in uniform who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

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• Chicago Police Department