Visitation held to honor fallen Chicago police officer Areanah Preston
CHICAGO (CBS) – Visitation was held Tuesday for fallen Chicago Police Officer Areanah Preston, who was shot and killed 10 days ago.
As CBS 2's Jermont Terry reported, mourners filed into the Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn as the city paid tribute to Officer Preston. Her family and fellow officers saw firsthand just how much Chicago appreciates her service.
Many fellow officers attended, but also heading into the visitation were some people who knew Preston from her younger years.
"Areanah was the best," said Liz Massingale.
"I remember her smile well," said Chris Massingale – who, like others at the visitation, was wearing a pin showing Officer Preston's photo in uniform. "When I look at this pin, I see it vividly."
The mother and son knew Preston from when she worked at her own mother's daycare
"She always helped her mom. She always helped all the kids," said Liz Massingale. "She was always there."
In fact, Liz stayed in touch with the family – and recalls her las conversation with Officer Preston days before the murder.
"I talked to Areneah Wednesday and Thursday before it happened - about her graduation, to say congratulations," said Liz Massingale. "So I was so shocked when I found out that it happened."
Also in attendance at the vigil was Mayor Brandon Johnson, who spoke about yet another Chicago first responder dying in the line of duty, the fifth this year.
Last weekend, the 24-year-old Preston should have walked across the stage to receive her master's degree, but instead, her family had to accept the huge accomplishment on her behalf.
A week earlier, Preston was shot and killed outside of her Avalon Park home. The 24-year-old had just finished her shift at the Calumet (5th) District when police said four people tried to rob her just steps from her door.
The young officer was shot multiple times and later died.
Preston was on the force for three years and was working her way up. Friends and colleagues told CBS 2 there was something about her presence that made them instantly like her.
While the pain is unbearable, it is softened by the hundreds who came out simply to tell the officer's family they care.
"We are here for them, and we always will be," said Sandra Wortham of Gold Star Families.
The Gold Star Families know firsthand what Preston's family is going through. They say the gestures of kindness do not go unnoticed.
"It means so much to us," Wortham said. "My brother was killed 13 years ago this week. I will never forget the coverage that you all gave his death. I will never forget the random citizens of Chicago coming out and hugging us, telling us they love us, and they were there for us – I will never forget that. It means everything to me."
While nothing will bring Officer Preston back, many more hope the arrest of four in her murder will bring some change.
"It's the realization life is scary now," said Chris Massingale. "A bunch of kids have firearms from nobody knows where."
Indeed, right now, the manner in how the Chicago hero died has left so many worried.
"If it could happen to her, it could happen to anybody," said Liz Massingale. "She was wonderful."
While Officer Preston was no longer on duty when she was shot and killed, she was in uniform - and her death was considered in the line of duty. She will have full honors at her funeral Wednesday.
Officer Preston's funeral on Wednesday will be aired live on CBS 2 and our digital steaming network starting at 10 a.m.