As the investigation continues, his friends and family gathered Monday morning to honor his memory.
It was a somber tribute.
"His service as a police officer was a guiding and illuminating light to so many," said CPD 1st District Commander Chris Kennedy. "Today the duty to serve rests in the hands of those who are here, our duty and the way we can serve, is to never forget."
Officer Bailey's family looked on as a wreath was placed in his memory outside of 1st District headquarters. Then the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police presented Bailey's widow with a plaque honoring his career.
The investigation into who killed Michael Bailey just after he came off duty from his overnight shift a year ago continues. Detectives are focusing on a 24-year-old man who is currently in a downstate prison. He was arrested for vehicular hijacking and a parole violation last September, a couple of months after Officer Bailey's murder.
"I'm really confident about the case," said CPD Superintendent Garry McCarthy. "I've had a number of conversations with the state's attorney, and the issue is that the person they're looking at is in custody. We want to make sure we get this case right."
Officer bailey's example of service is inspiring both his fellow officers and his family. His daughter Jada is a Chicago police cadet waiting to hear the results of her police exam.
"I'm feeling very proud of my father, very honored, very proud of his sacrifice, and I was sitting there, I was thinking if he was here today I would thank him because he helped me find my calling in life," said Jada Bailey.
Officer Bailey worked on the Chicago police force for 20 years.
