A South Side business owner is turning grief into action, launching a fundraiser to support the family of a fallen Chicago police officer.
The effort comes after Officer John Bartholomew, a 10-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was shot and killed during an incident inside Swedish Hospital over the weekend. Another officer remains in critical condition.
Now, a familiar gathering spot in Oak Lawn is stepping up to help.
Brendan O’Brien, owner of Reilly’s Daughter, said his bar and restaurant, which has deep ties to police and fire families, will begin selling T-shirts Friday evening, with all proceeds going directly to Bartholomew’s family.
“Absolute tragedy,” O’Brien said. “It’s terrible when a first responder loses their life doing their job.”
O’Brien said supporting first responders is personal. Located near the Chicago-Oak Lawn border, his business draws many police officers and firefighters from nearby neighborhoods like Mount Greenwood and Beverly. His own family also has a long history in the Chicago Fire Department.
“It’s something that I was raised to do,” he said, “helping the community and helping people within it.”
The fundraiser will begin between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Friday, with shirts available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis in sizes ranging from small to 3XL.
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Once the initial supply sells out, O’Brien says the effort will quickly move online, allowing supporters across the country to contribute.
“Anyone that’s willing and able to help out, just know that 100% of your purchase price is going directly toward his family,” he said.
O’Brien has organized similar fundraisers in the past for first responders, including a recent effort for a fallen Chicago firefighter that raised significant support.
He says the goal is simple: Stand behind those who risk their lives every day.
“They put their lives on the line every day,” he said. “When they’re in need of help, we love to help out.”
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