Mural honoring some of Chicago police officers recently killed in line of duty to be unveiled on Archer in Garfield Ridge
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Hidden in the Garfield Ridge area is a remarkable art exhibit paying tribute to five Chicago police officers who lost their lives while on duty.

The artist is talking about why he painted it and how each officer’s family helped him.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

There are still some finishing touches for Milton Coronado’s latest project.

On the Southwest Side, an artist is using black spray paint to finish the intricate portraits of Andres Vasquez Lasso, Luis Huesca, Areanah Preston, Ella French, and Enrique Martinez. These officers all died while serving over the last four years.

“I left their portraits for last because I realized how crucial it was. It’s essential, as we want to emphasize their stories and honor them,” Coronado explained.

Coronado didn’t know any of the officers, but decided to paint a mural in their honor after talking with a friend who is a police officer.

“Having this conversation with this friend, understanding a little bit more what they do, what they go through, et cetera, it was in my heart to do something like this,” Coronado said.

Working with the Garfield Ridge community, Coronado found a commercial building on South Archer Avenue willing to display his latest idea. His design includes words to describe the officers, a waving Chicago flag, blue roses representing the Chicago Police Department and monarch butterflies to signify eternal life: all a backdrop to huge black and white portraits of each officer

“Milton’s mural is just a beautiful reminder of their service and their sacrifice,” French’s mother Elizabeth said.

Coronado worked with each officer’s family to tell their loved ones’ stories.

French says he used her favorite photo of her daughter for the portrait.

“She is in her uniform, just smiling. And it just, for me, that was who she was as both a person and a police officer,” French said.

Below the portraits are the officers’ stars, each with elements that represent them as individuals.

“Ariana Preston, she had just graduated from law school. So, I put the scales that represent the law, you know, the balance, as well as some dumbbells. She loved to work out,” Coronado said.

Coronado is from the Garfield Ridge area. While he has painted many murals, it is his first honoring Chicago police officers.

The mural will be unveiled next week, the same week a funeral will be held for Officer Krystal Rivera. She was killed in the line of duty June 5.

Coronado hopes to paint one of her on the North Side.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Garrett Wilson gets Jets payday with historic $130 million contract

Garrett Wilson Scores Big with Record-Breaking $130 Million Contract from Jets

Garrett Wilson got a pretty hefty birthday present from the Jets. The…
Most teens — and girls especially — see college as key to jobs and life skills, AP-NORC poll says

AP-NORC Poll Finds Most Teens, Especially Girls, View College as Crucial for Career and Life Skills Development

PHOENIX (AP) — A recent survey reveals that the majority of American…
Victims of 'Bernie Madoff of cows' take on major banks in massive ghost cattle Ponzi scheme

Investors Duped by the ‘Cattle Madoff’ Challenge Big Banks in Huge Fake Cow Ponzi Scandal

Victims affected by a deceased financier dubbed the “Bernie Madoff of cows”…
'9-1-1' star Aisha Hinds says she got "calls and texts" from family and friends about the agonizing death of Bobby last season. 

‘9-1-1’ Star Aisha Hinds Shares She Received “Calls and Texts” from Family and Friends Regarding Bobby’s Heart-wrenching Death Last Season.

“9-1-1” fans are still unsettled over Captain Bobby Nash’s death from April,…
UC Berkeley professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski killed by masked gunman in Greece: 'We are heartbroken'

UC Berkeley Professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski Tragically Shot by Masked Gunman in Greece: ‘We Are Devastated’

A UC Berkeley business professor was shot and killed by a masked gunman…
President Donald Trump speaking to reporters.

Trump reportedly upset over Ukraine situation, set to announce new weapons strategy today after expressing disappointment with Putin

Donald Trump has expressed his disappointment with Vladimir Putin for launching nighttime…
Elon Musk to hold Tesla investor vote on xAI investment, rules out merger

Elon Musk Plans Tesla Investor Vote on xAI Investment, Rules Out Merger

Elon Musk has dismissed the possibility of merging Tesla with xAI, but…
Chinese illegal immigrant crossings that surged during Biden admin a 'national security concern,' expert warns

Expert Warns: Surge in Chinese Illegal Immigration During Biden Administration Poses ‘National Security Concern’

A border security expert has raised alarms over the significant influx of…
LA to NYC high-speed train proposed ahead of FIFA World Cup

High-Speed Train from LA to NYC Proposed Before FIFA World Cup

A high-speed rail line hopes to connect Los Angeles to New York…
Portrait of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal in uniform.

What Caused Air India Flight 171’s Fuel Shutdown: Pilot Mistake, Mechanical Failure, or Deliberate Act?

TO the terrified locals who ducked when Air India Flight 171 narrowly…
Ellen DeGeneres backs Rosie O'Donnell after President Trump's citizenship threat

Ellen DeGeneres supports Rosie O’Donnell amid President Trump’s citizenship dispute

Ellen DeGeneres is in Rosie O’Donnell’s corner. In spite of their long-standing…
Armies of Texas volunteers dig out, clean up, after fatal floods

Texas Volunteers Mobilize for Massive Cleanup After Devastating Floods

COMFORT, Texas (AP) — It began with a stranger asking “Do you…