Chicago police officers were among the Hometown Heroes honored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois during NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
Nearly two dozen public servants were honored for their selflessness and dedication to the city of Chicago during the third NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
Brian Snell, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, led a group of police officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers and streets and sanitation employees to the race stage, where they were introduced to the crowd as Hometown Heroes before The Loop 110 NASCAR Xfinity Series race.
BCBSIL President Brian Snell honors Chicago police officers, firefighters, 911 dispatchers and streets and sanitation workers selected as Hometown Heroes during NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
“I just wanted to say thank you for being here,” Snell told the heroes as they huddled around him before heading to the stage. “Thank you for taking such good care of everyone who lives here and visits in your service to the city of Chicago.”
Proud spouses, children, grandchildren and friends pulled out phones and shot photos and videos to capture the moment. Selected by their leaders, the heroes rode the track and received passes to race events. Sunday’s Grant Park 165 Cup Series race capped NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
Spectators watch the Grant Park 165 Cup Series race. BCBSIL is a founding partner of NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
A founding partner of the event, BCBSIL also engaged race fans with games and health education at pop-up sites inside and outside the races’ ticketed area. The company also invited community partner organizations to the races and concert.
Despite frequent challenges, sacrifices or dangers, the heroes expressed passion for their careers and service to Chicago residents.
“It’s a commitment, but what a feeling you get when you’re helping someone,” said Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief John Fox, whose son recently graduated from the fire academy. His daughter has been a firefighter for five years at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. “It’s the best job in the world.”
Dispatcher Patricia Griffin, Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief John Fox and recently retired dispatcher Debra White were among those honored as Hometown Heroes by BCBSIL during NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
Service runs in Ramsey Williams’ blood, too. He comes from a family with generations of police officers, firefighters and health care workers. Determined to enjoy every moment, he danced to music and talked and laughed with fellow honorees as they waited to be escorted to the concert stage.
“I don’t feel like a hero,” said Williams, who was a police officer for more than a dozen years before joining the fire department. “I look at it as a blessing to others to serve. It was ingrained in me to serve.”
Like Williams, Zachary Strother switched careers, working 10 years as a teacher before becoming a police officer, certified in mental health crisis intervention. Outside work, he founded Brotherhood Mentoring, dedicated to guiding urban youth toward positive social, emotional and spiritual growth. He mentors young men to strengthen the community and families he serves. His passion comes from the work he’s done to address his own trauma and mental health issues.
“It’s a natural fit for me,” said Strother, whose goal is to help families in need of mental health resources and keep people who are struggling out of jail.
BCBSIL honored Chicago 911 dispatchers, firefighters and police officers during NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
Debra White, Ann Clancy and Patricia Griffin — 911 dispatchers with a combined 100 years of service with the Office Emergency Management Communications — posed for pictures before riding the track.
Griffin considers herself a lifeline to officers, helping them navigate calls for service and maintain communication in stressful situations. Named the state of Illinois Telecommunicator of the Year in 2021, Griffin routinely is recognized for her work and dedication, said her son, Chicago Police Officer Kendall Brown, who accompanied her to the event.
“I treat them all like my family, Griffith said of the officers she supports. “I want them all to go home at the end of their shift.”
Chicago police officers Raual Echevarria and Zachary Strother and Judy Steele, a streets and sanitation department employee, wave to the crowd as they are introduced as Hometown Heroes during NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend.
Representing the streets and sanitation department, James Fort and Judy Steele said they were honored to be recognized for making the city a nice place to live and visit.
For about 25 years, Steele has picked up trash around Chicago, and the people she serves often thank her for what she does to keep their neighborhoods clean. The appreciation brings her joy, no matter how cold or hot the day.
Fort, an assistant general manager, oversees beautification projects. He started his career as a clerk, responding to reports about properties in need of clean-ups.
“I take pride in everything I do,” Fort said. “I want to leave this city in a better place every day for everybody.”
Julie Giese, president of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, met the heroes behind the race stage. “Thank all of you for what you do for our city,” she said. “We are so honored to have you here with us. I love living here because of all of you. You are truly heroes.”