CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- There have been more than 1,200 COVID-19 cases among Chicago Police officers and three deaths since the start of the pandemic. Now the department has launched a campaign to prevent more cases.
The Chicago Police Department launched a new campaign to encourage police officers and employees to wear a mask or face-covering to protect themselves and others from COVID-19, as the city sees a second surge in cases.
The campaign titled "I Wear My Mask" is designed to build on the department's efforts to protect against COVID-19 by featuring officers of different ranks from across Chicago as they explain why they wear their masks every day.
“For my family,” said Lieutenant Robert Kane.
“For our son,” said Sergeant Ramon Ascencio and PO Emily Ascencio.
“For my dad,” explained PO Louis Green.
"For my partner,” said two officers while sitting in a squad car.
"For each other," said a firefighter and police officer while inside a firehouse.
Superintendent David Brown appears at the end of the video saying it's important "you protect yourself, your loved ones, and our city. I mask up to protect you."
Related
The new campaign builds on the department's internal messaging and mask-wearing policies, which require officers and employees to wear a face-covering in any area or situation in which six-feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.
As part of this effort, internal signage was also created and posted in department facilities and police districts to remind officers of the face-covering requirement.
It was suggested by some officers that a recent surge in cases may be tied to packing police into buses and vans for hours waiting to respond to unrest.