July 21, 2010
Flags lowered to honor slain officer
Under a proclamation signed by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, the United States flag and the Illinois flag are to be at half-staff at all State of Illinois facilities in honor of an off-duty Chicago police officer killed earlier this week outside of his home.
Flags are to be flown at half-staff beginning today (July 21) until sunset, Friday, July 23, in honor of Chicago Police Department officer Michael Bailey.
A 20-year veteran, reports say Bailey, 62, of Park Manor, was killed early Sunday by gunmen whom investigators believe were trying to rob Bailey of a new Buick Regal that Bailey just bought as a retirement gift for himself. Bailey was one month from mandatory retirement when he was shot.
Reports say Bailey was in uniform and polishing his car after an overnight shift guarding Mayor Richard Dailey’s house.
The investigation into the shooting continues. Bailey’s death is the third Chicago police officer killed in the last two months.