Get Behind the Vest Pancake Breakfast raises funds for Chicago police officers' bulletproof vests

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Kindness was served up one pancake at a time inside the St. John Fisher School cafeteria on Sunday morning.

"Just to see all the families here, people who are coming out to support the police knowing that there are times when police officers are in need," said Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling.

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The West Beverly community had breakfast together to raise critical funds for Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's Get Behind the Vest campaign, which purchases bulletproof vests for Chicago's finest.

"I think the mission here is very clear: Community coming together to support their police officers," said 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea.

So far, more than $680,000 has been raised for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation over the years through this breakfast.

O'Shea has hosted the pancake breakfast for the past 11 years. Its success is paying off and could save lives.

The average life of a bulletproof vest is just five years.

"Each year, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation will identify what officers are coming up on that fifth year, reach out to that district, we have a new vest," O'Shea said.

When a new officer joins CPD, they receive a complimentary vest.

But it is on the officer to replace the vest after that. It comes with a hefty price tag of around $500.

Maureen Biggane is the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's operations director and a former police officer.

She says at least 1,000 more vests are slated to be issued just this year.

"Only because of support like this, the memorial foundation has been able to provide nearly 14,000 replacement bullet proof vests for Chicago police officers," Biggane said.

For the past decade, the Harrigan family, who owns Original Pancake House - Beverly, has generously donated all batter and sausage for the pancake breakfast.

Chicago fireman Colin Ott had some pancakes with his family to support his CPD counterparts.

"You just feel a need to support everyone. These guys have our backs when we're out on the streets," Ott said.

He says Sunday morning's massive turnout is no surprise.

"It gives you a lot of pride, and it makes you feel like you're part of something bigger," Ott said. "You've got to make sure you're watching out for everyone."