Fallen CPD Ofc. Krystal Rivera enshrined on Gold Star memorial wall; vigil honors slain officers

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A fallen Chicago police officer was honored Wednesday at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park.

Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera's name was enshrined on the memorial wall at the Gold Star Families Memorial and Park.

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It's an event no police family wants to be part of, but one that they're willing to attend to honor the many officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Rivera spent four years with CPD before her partner accidentally shot her back in June while they were chasing a suspect in the Gresham neighborhood, police department officials said.

CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling and others helped to forever enshrine her name on the Gold Star Families Memorial wall.

READ MORE | Autopsy results reveal new details about CPD Officer Krystal Rivera's friendly fire shooting death

"Today, we added one more, Officer Krystal Rivera, a magnificent officer, a magnificent mother," Snelling said.

Later Wednesday evening, hundreds of police officers, supporters and family members of fallen officers gathered for the 22nd Annual Candlelight Vigil.

The names of 607 Chicago police officers were read aloud. Four names, including Rivera's, were heard for the first time.

SEE ALSO | Officer who shot, killed Ofc. Krystal Rivera relieved of powers amid assault investigation, CPD says

The officer tied to Rivera's death has since been relieved of his police powers amid a separate assault investigation, CPD said.

READ MORE | Cop tied to CPD Ofc. Rivera's death accused of trying to gather video evidence of alleged bar attack

He is accused of punching a female off-duty officer.

He claims that he was the victim in the alleged assault outside a Wicker Park bar last month.

Before the vigil, Rivera's young daughter and her mother, shared a warm embrace, after the officer's name was forever enshrined in the memorial wall.

"As her mother, my heart is shattered, but I will forever carry her spirit with me," Yolanda Rivera said.

"Me and my mom had a really good connection. She felt like my best friend," Isabella Medina said.

Late Officer Areanah Preston's mother says she's been committed to remembering her daughter since losing her in the line of duty two years ago.

"It's hard because it's another mother that does not wake up every day with their child," Dionne Mhoon said.

Out of the four additional names read aloud during the vigil, two of them died years ago.

That's Officers Edward O'Neill and Benjamin Devlin.

After researching both of their deaths, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, decided to finally give them the tribute they deserve.