Share this @internewscast.com

The Englewood community is in prayer after two of its police officers were shot just days apart recently.

Chicago Police Englewood (7th) District Cmdr. Rodney Hill talked with CBS 2’s Steven Graves Friday about officer morale and his outlook on the summer season.

A neighborhood cleanup effort in Englewood on Friday began with a prayer. In the greater Englewood community – prayers to heal hurt, but also foster hope.

“I had two officers shot, and both survived. They’re doing well,” Cmdr. Hill said, “and that’s a blessing.”

At the cleanup effort, Cmdr. Hill took the mic at 69th and Sangamon streets. He talked publicly for the first time near where his officer, Erik Moreno, was shot last Sunday.

“It was a struggle the last couple of weeks,” he said.

Days before that – someone shot Englewood District Officer Fernanda Ballesteros at 61st and Paulina streets. She recently got released from the hospital.

On Friday, fellow beat officers stood behind Cmdr. Hill. We asked about how many are holding up.

“My officers – they’re holding on,” Hill said. “They’re strong. They’re a resilient group of young officers.”

Meanwhile, Marcus Simpson – a native of the West Side’s Austin neighborhood – joined city workers in cleaning the Englewood community Friday. He says the shootings that wounded officers sent shockwaves through the whole city.

“If we scare the police off, it’s going to be worse,” Simpson said. “We don’t want the people who protect and serve us to be scared for their life.”

Deshaunna Pitts lives near where the crowd met Friday.

“I feel like at a point, they could be our backbone, like, I feel like – Black people, we are so scared of a relationship with the police,” she said. “Everyone coming together and pitching in and doing their part – I feel like it really will help.”

Cmdr. Hill added: “As a whole, I’m happy with the relationships that I have with my community partners. We’re working together.”

The key, Englewood leaders say, to reducing violence heading into summertime – a season some might look at as grim.

“I don’t think it’s grim. I don’t,” Hill said. “I think we have to remain optimistic about the possibilities of being better as a city and community.”

And the prayers for peace will continue.

The event Friday was part of an initiative called “Operation Clean,” which goes to different neighborhoods every Friday. Chicago Police chose Englewood because of the recent violence.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Jeopardy! Masters' returns to primetime; Host Ken Jennings discusses legendary game show tournament

‘Jeopardy! Masters’ Comes Back to Primetime; Host Ken Jennings Talks About Iconic Tournament

NEW YORK (WABC) — Starting this week, the best contestants from “Jeopardy!”‘…
GM recalls nearly 600,000 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC cars due to engine failure risks

GM to Recall Close to 600,000 Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC Vehicles Over Potential Engine Problems

General Motors is recalling nearly 600,000 vehicles across its Cadillac, Chevrolet and…
Coach Bill Belichick, girlfriend Jordon Hudson face questions about relationship after interview

Questions Arise About Coach Bill Belichick and Girlfriend Jordon Hudson Following Interview

BOSTON — Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is speaking out…
ABC7 I-Team gets exclusive look at Chicago arrest of Jose Antonio Reyes-Mundo, man ICE says is member of CJNG Mexican cartel

Exclusive Insight: ABC7 I-Team Reports on Chicago Arrest of Alleged CJNG Member, Jose Antonio Reyes-Mundo

CHICAGO (WLS) — From pre-dawn preps to detention, Immigration and Customs Enforcement…
Even a small uptick in vaccination could prevent millions of US measles cases. Here's how

How a Minor Increase in Vaccination Rates Could Avert Millions of Measles Cases in the US

Measles cases are continuing to spread throughout the U.S. with outbreaks in…
Judge approves Sean Combs' request to wear non-prison clothing for trial beginning next week

Judge Grants Sean Combs’ Request to Wear Personal Attire for Upcoming Trial

NEW YORK CITY — A federal judge in New York on Wednesday…
2025 Illinois measles cases: Health officials report first measles cases in Cook County this year, including 1 in Chicago

2025 Illinois Measles Outbreak: Cook County Confirms Its First Cases of the Year, Including 1 in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County…
Mayor Brandon Johnson meets with Gov. JB Pritzker, others in Springfield, Illinois over funding requests for Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson discusses Chicago funding proposals with Gov. JB Pritzker and other officials in Springfield, Illinois.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — Mayor Brandon Johnson was in Springfield Wednesday lobbying…
University of Delaware accident: Student killed in car crash with U-Haul, 7 other hurt on Main Street in Newark

University of Delaware Incident: Student Fatally Injured in Collision with U-Haul; 7 Others Injured on Newark’s Main Street

NEWARK, Del. — A University of Delaware student was killed and seven…
Tariff uncertainty threatens to raise drug prices and stall medical innovation, experts warn

Experts Caution: Uncertain Tariffs Could Hike Drug Prices and Hinder Medical Innovatio

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — In this time of fluctuating tariff talks, many…
Top players return for another round of taxing trivia in 'Jeopardy! Masters' for chance to win $500,000

Elite Contestants Compete in ‘Jeopardy! Masters’ for a Shot at $500,000

LOS ANGELES — Some of best and brightest “Jeopardy!” contestants are back…
DA gives 11 New York high schoolers involved in extreme hazing of lacrosse players 48 hours to surrender or face charges

11 High Schoolers in NY Accused of Severe Lacrosse Hazing Given 48 Hours to Turn Themselves In

SYRACUSE, NY — At least 11 high school students in Syracuse, New…