Visitation held for CPD Officer Krystal Rivera, killed in friendly fire incident in Chatham

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Family, friends and fellow officers all gathered on Tuesday afternoon for the visitation for fallen Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera.

Rivera was killed in the line of duty in a friendly fire incident while pursuing a suspect earlier this month.

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The visitation, held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home on the city's Northwest Side, drew hundreds of people who wanted pay their respects to the four-year CPD veteran. She was assigned to the 6th District.

Just weeks ago, at vigil outside the district she served, people there remembered her for her quiet strength, empathy and the impact she had on her community.

Rivera was killed in the line of duty on June 5, when investigators say a fellow officer unintentionally shot her during a tactical operation in Chatham. Two people are now facing charges in connection with the incident.

Now, Rivera's loved ones are saying their final goodbyes to a beloved mother and police officer.

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"Krystal was phenomenal mom to Bella. She loved that little girl. She made sure she wanted to raise her right and do the right thing by her, along with the help of her family," said Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge #7 President John Catanzara.

Rivera's presence was hard to miss, and now, her absence is hard not to.

"None of these are easy. This one has unique circumstances that make it different from all the rest. We haven't had any experience like this in over four decades," Catanzara said.

Billy Oliveros, her daughter's basketball coach, was one of many wearing a special tribute shirt at Tuesday's visitation.

"I have a daughter myself. We lace them up. We go to work," Oliveros said. "And this made me realize that sometimes, you don't come home."

The sleeve bears a blue ribbon with Rivera's name.

"Every time we play, we're going to represent her. Because I know her spirit is always going to be with us," Oliveros said.

Oliveros remembered the 36-year-old's ferocity in helping uplift her daughter and her fellow teammates.

"If I needed something, she was there. If I needed for her to warm up the girls before I came to practice, she was there," he said.

Now, this police force is vowing to stand in her place for her daughter and her family.

"I know that they got a long road ahead and we're going to be there to support them any way we possibly can," Catanzara said.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday at noon at Living Word Christian Center, located at 7600 Roosevelt Road in Forest Park.