Loved ones gather to mourn Chicago Police Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso
OAK LAWN, Ill. (CBS) – The visitation for Chicago police officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso was held Wednesday in Oak Lawn, a week after he was killed in the line of duty.
CBS 2's Sabrina Franza was out at the scene where mourners remembered the fallen officer.
Vásquez Lasso was a Chicago police officer, of course, but he was also a husband to Milena Estepa, a dog dad, a son, brother, and friend. The number of people lining up to pay their respects on Wednesday was proof that he was many things to many people.
Earlier on Wednesday, there were countless police officers from the City of Chicago, other local municipalities, state police, and departments from as far as Portland, Oregon; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, stood in line while Vásquez Lasso lay in repose. At least one officer from Canada was even in attendance.
"This is the second time I've been in Chicago in a year and half - for another tragedy," said an officer from West Grey, Ontario. "It's extremely alarming."
Dallas police Officer Cullen Gordon is also a member of Gold Star Families. He wiped away tears, because those surrounding him have been where Vásquez Lasso's family is right now.
Officer Gordon's father was killed when he was only 5.
"I remember the wake. I remember the funeral. I remember everything afterwards," Gordon said, "and I remember the men and women of the Chicago Police Department making sure my dad was never forgotten."
Officer Vásquez Lasso's family had a police escort and a private viewing. Horses stood guard outside the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home while the family mourned inside.
Supporters also came to honor the fallen officer from far and wide.
"I wasn't going to come and the Lord spoke to me two nights ago and said 'You're going to Chicago,'" said Dan Beazley, who traveled to the wake from Northview, Michigan.
Vásquez Lasso died in the line of duty one week before responding to a domestic call in Gage Park. He was shot and killed trying to apprehend a suspect that had run into a school playground, armed with a gun.
Those mourning the officer on Wednesday called Vásquez Lasso a hero.
"The community supports the police," said supporter David Dewar. "And we know that this officer Andrés was a member of the community and we grieve for them. But also the message should be here in the runoff [election] for mayor between Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson is we really need to address the core issues."
The funeral for Vásquez Lasso is scheduled for Thursday at 10 a.m. before his family says their final goodbyes privately.
"We lost Ella French," said Dewar. "She was a young lady and this shows we don't ever forget the people who serve and protect."
After sunset Wednesday, the show of support was visible on 103rd Street off Cicero Avenue outside the funeral home in Oak Lawn. A sea of blue stretched down the block on a chilly Wednesday night.
CBS 2 will have live coverage all morning on Thursday on the air and on our stream at CBSChicago.com.