Chicago police union issues unanimous vote of ‘no confidence’ for mayor and leadership

The Fraternal Order of Police in Chicago issued a unanimous vote of no confidence for Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the heads of the department.

The Wednesday vote was the result of a “lack of respect for Gold Star families” and the cancellation of the St. Jude Parade, which is meant to honor the officers who have died in the line of duty, Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara said in a video update.

He called the decision to cancel the event for the second year in a row a “slap in the face to every department member” and offered an alternative plan to officials, but it was rejected, he said.

"Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our annual St. Jude Police League Memorial March has again been cancelled," a police spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. "The Chicago Police Graphic Arts Section has produced a video in honor of the 594 officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, including four COVID-19 related Line of Duty deaths that occurred in 2020. Never forget these men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We honor them today and everyday."

In addition to Lightfoot, Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown and First Deputy Superintendent Eric Carter also received votes of no confidence.
The no-confidence vote was, in part, a response to the working conditions, Catanzara said, adding that it included a “lack of consideration” for officers’ families and social lives.

“Too many of our officers have worked extended hours, not voluntarily but forced, and the compensation, for starters, is the same whether you volunteer or not. That makes absolutely no sense, but the department doesn’t give a damn,” he said.

Brown said they were canceling the parade because of its proximity to the anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, Catanzara claimed.

“The superintendent was very clear with me on the phone that the reason this was being done was because of the anniversary of George Floyd’s death and the fear that something might happen,” Catanzara continued. “That’s not justifiable.”

The mayor's office did not respond to a request for comment. The police department did not comment on whether the anniversary of Floyd's death was a contributing factor in their decision.