Frankfort’s police chief penned an emotional letter to residents after a series of tragedies in a matter of days in the southern Chicago suburb left many reeling.
“Today is the first day that I have had the opportunity to pause, gather my thoughts, and reflect on all that has transpired over the past 10 days,” Chief Leanne Chelepis began.
Frankfort has been hit with not one but two heartbreaking incidents that left them at the center of headlines.
In one, a mother is accused of killing her 2-year-old inside her home before trying to harm herself during what her attorneys said was a “psychotic episode” in which she called her son the “devil” and the “anti-Christ.”
In another, a 6-year-old child died after being hit by a school bus driver while on her way home from school.
“The events of the past week have stretched us as a department in ways that are difficult to put into words,” Chelepissaid. “Yet, through every challenge, our officers and staff have continued to stand together, care for one another, and answer the call to serve our community with unwavering professionalism, compassion, and dedication, even when the circumstances have been extraordinarily difficult.”
She went on to thank not only first responders in her community, but in surrounding agencies who offered support and assistance during difficult times.
She also thanked residents of her community, who she said “show up in extraordinary ways when their neighbors are hurting.”
“Over the past ten days, I have witnessed some of the most difficult circumstances a community can face, but I have also witnessed the incredible strength, compassion, and beauty of the people who call Frankfort home,” she wrote. “The outpouring of thoughts, prayers, meals, messages, and words of encouragement directed toward our department has been overwhelming in the best possible way.”
While she thanked many for their support, she noted the families who are still grieving significant losses.
“As we move forward, I ask that everyone continue to keep the families, friends, loved ones, and everyone affected by these tragedies in your thoughts and prayers. Their lives have been profoundly impacted, and they will continue to need the support, compassion, and strength of our community in the days ahead,” she wrote. “Our department remains focused on the work that needs to be done. We are diligently continuing our investigative cases, while also taking the necessary time to process all that has occurred and ensure our personnel have access to the care, resources, and support they need.”
Officials at Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 said they are working with local and state officials on the investigation of the school bus accident,
Meanwhile, 40-year-old Corie Walsh was charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and was ordered held behind bars pre-trial. She is set to appear in court again on Sept. 24.
Read the chief’s full message below:
Today is the first day that I have had the opportunity to pause, gather my thoughts, and reflect on all that has transpired over the past ten days.
My first and most important thought is one of profound respect and gratitude for the officers, community service officers, and clerical staff members at the Frankfort Police Department. The events of the past week have stretched us as a department in ways that are difficult to put into words. Yet, through every challenge, our officers and staff have continued to stand together, care for one another, and answer the call to serve our community with unwavering professionalism, compassion, and dedication, even when the circumstances have been extraordinarily difficult.
I am incredibly grateful for the many public safety professionals and agencies who have stood beside us and supported our department in so many ways. The Frankfort Fire Protection District has been right alongside us, providing care, assistance, and support as we have navigated these tragic circumstances. The Will-Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, Will County Sheriff’s Office, New Lenox Police Department, Manhattan Police Department, Orland Park Police Department, Mokena Police Department, Illinois State Police, and other agencies have all been outstanding partners to our department and to our community. Their professionalism, compassion, and willingness to step in and help have meant more than I can adequately express.
I am equally grateful for the many police chiefs and public safety leaders who have reached out to offer their support, encouragement, and assistance. During difficult times, you are reminded of the importance of the professional relationships and partnerships that surround you. I am incredibly fortunate that the Frankfort Police Department is part of such a strong and supportive public safety network.
Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank the Frankfort Community.
Frankfort at its core is a community filled with people who care deeply about one another and who show up in extraordinary ways when their neighbors are hurting. That is what makes this community unique. It is what makes us strong.
Over the past ten days, I have witnessed some of the most difficult circumstances a community can face, but I have also witnessed the incredible strength, compassion, and beauty of the people who call Frankfort home. The outpouring of thoughts, prayers, meals, messages, and words of encouragement directed toward our department has been overwhelming in the best possible way.
You have reminded us that we are not alone. You have reminded us that our community stands with us, supports us, and is willing to walk through these difficult moments alongside us. We are incredibly grateful.
As we move forward, I ask that everyone continue to keep the families, friends, loved ones, and everyone affected by these tragedies in your thoughts and prayers. Their lives have been profoundly impacted, and they will continue to need the support, compassion, and strength of our community in the days ahead.
Our department remains focused on the work that needs to be done. We are diligently continuing our investigative cases, while also taking the necessary time to process all that has occurred and ensure our personnel have access to the care, resources, and support they need.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.
With sincere gratitude-
Chief Leanne Chelepis
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