CHICAGO (WLS) — Members of Chicago’s Ukrainian community gathered at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral on Sunday to honor a fallen Chicago police officer.
Parishioners told ABC7 they still clearly remember the day CPD Officer Michael Ceriale was shot in the line of duty in 1998. More than two decades later, his memory remains deeply rooted in the community.
Ceriale was only 26 when he died from injuries sustained during an undercover operation. A former student and parishioner at St. Nicholas, his death carried a particularly personal meaning for the cathedral’s Ukrainian community.
“He was a hero. How many people would do what he did? How many would give their lives for the good of everyone else?” said George Matwyshyn of the Parish Pastoral Council.
Dr. Yuri Melnik has attended the church for more than 30 years. He also worked at the hospital where Ceriale spent six days receiving treatment before he died, and he remembers both the desperate effort to save the officer and the citywide response.
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“They were fighting for his life. There were five procedures and 200 units of blood,” Melnik said. “The city came together in prayer. There were long lines of people donating blood—something we had never experienced before.”
After Sunday Mass, parishioners shared breakfast while reminders of Ceriale’s service could be seen throughout the cathedral. Chicago police also brought unit horses to the church grounds. One of the department’s horses was named “Mikey C.” in his honor, a tribute parishioners say reflects the lasting impact of his sacrifice.
“That is very touching for me. Looking back, it brings back many positive emotions,” Melnik said. “We are grateful to the people who protect us and serve our communities. Their work is not easy.”
The person charged in the shooting was a juvenile at the time and remains imprisoned under a 60-year sentence for the officer’s death.
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