Hundreds to gather for funeral of fallen Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew

Friday, May 8, 2026 5:12AM CT
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family, friends, and colleagues will be gathering Friday to say their final goodbyes to Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew.

Street closures for the funeral are expected near Saint Andrews Greek Orthodox Church starting at 9 a.m.



More than 1,500 people gathered for the visitation at the same church Thursday evening.

The Chicago Police Department showed up in full force for the 10-year veteran.



He was killed in the line of duty on April 25.

Bartholomew and his partner were shot while they escorted a robbery suspect at Swedish Hospital.

Officer Bartholomew's longtime partner Officer Nelson Crespo was critically injured, and is still recovering.

Bartholomew is being remembered as a beloved father, husband, son and brother, and officer.

"As I walked up and viewed the casket, it kind of takes your breath away because you know that this is someone that you have seen, you've seen working, you've seen them in action and now you see them for the very last time," CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling said. "It's a hard pill to swallow."



The funeral service starts at 10 a.m.

Heavy traffic and street closures are expected near Lake Shore Drive and Sheridan until 3 p.m.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.