The bike ride is a 400 mile trek from Alton, IL to Chicago, IL. Please help if you have the opportunity to do so. Your donation is tax deductible.

Police Officer Alejandro (Alex) Valadez
Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Monday, June 1, 2009

Biographical Info
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 3 years short years, earning a Chicago Police Department Commendation and twenty two honorable mentions.
Badge Number: 9534

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, June 1, 2009
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: 3 suspects, Kevin Walker, Christopher Harris and Shawn Gaston, have all been arrested and charged. All are reputed gang members and face charges of first-degree murder in Valadez's death. One of them, 20-year-old Shawn Gaston, was cited three times for violating a 2007 felony indictment on charges of carrying a handgun, but officials say he was never jailed. Harris admitted to firing shots from the back seat of the car.

Officer Alex Valadez was assassinated while investigating reports of gunfire on South Hermitage Road shortly after midnight. As he and his partner were questioning several residents, a vehicle drove up and an occupant opened fire, striking Officer Valadez once in the leg and once in the head.

He was transported to Stroger Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds later in the day.

Officer Valadez had served the citizens of Chicago for three years. He is survived by his parents, sister, brother, and at the time, expectant fiance and now baby boy. His siblings and girlfriend also serve the Chicago Police Department.

Reflections about Alex can be viewed at:

http://www.cpdmemorial.org/heroes_Lynn/viewreflection.aspx?&star=9534&FIRST_NAME=Alejandro&LAST_NAME=Valadez

Letters from families helped by the support of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation can be viewed at:

http://www.cpdmemorial.org/letters/flash.html

More information about the ride and pictures from last year can be viewed at:

http://www.ilcops.org/BikeRide.htm