In May 2015, 27-year-veteran Oak Park Police Officer John Patterson was on his way to work in the early morning hours when he was confronted by two armed gunmen who attempted to rob him in the alley of his Chicago home.

Officer Patterson announced he was a police officer and was also dressed in his Oak Park Police Department uniform.  The gunmen began shooting at Officer Patterson, striking him several times.  The offenders were shortly apprehended by the Chicago Police Department who were thankfully in the area when the shots were fired.  

Officer Patterson’s injury has been deemed an off-duty injury and the Village of Oak Park stopped paying Officer Patterson on May 1, 2016, with no prior notice.  It’s widely accepted and supported by state law that when a police officer engages in police-related activity (i.e.: rendering aid to a citizen, stopping a crime, etc. or in John’s case defending his LIFE) and he/she announces their title, they are ON DUTY.    

The Fraternal Order of Police - Oak Park Lodge #8 Union is asking that you join us in helping raise funds for John and his family.  Although Officer Patterson’s own doctors have cleared him to come back to work, the Village’s doctors have not, which in turn keeps Officer Patterson at home and without pay.  

On behalf of Officer Patterson, the FOP Lodge #8 thanks you for your consideration, prayers, positive energy and donations for our fellow brother in blue.