Police Officer Michael Ray Bailey, Sr.

Police Officer Michael Ray Bailey, Sr.

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Sunday, July 18, 2010

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Michael Ray Bailey, Sr.

Police Officer Michael Bailey was shot and killed while attempting to take action in an attempted armed robbery in front of his South Side home at approximately 6:20 am.

Officer Bailey had just returned home from his shift on a mayoral protection detail and was still in uniform when a male subject approached and attempted to rob him of his vehicle in the 7400 block of South Evans Street.

He identified himself and exchanged shots with the man, but was struck three times during the shootout. The suspect fled the scene but was arrested approximately two months later after he committed another carjacking. He was charged with Officer Bailey's murder one year later while in prison on the second charge. In December 2019 the suspect was sentenced to life in prison plus 35 years.

Officer Bailey was one month from retiring after having served with the Chicago Police Department for 20 years and was assigned to the Central District. He had previously served as a fireman with the Glenview Fire Department and was a U.S. Air Force veteran. Officer Bailey was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, brother, sister and 14 grandchildren.

Bio

  • Age 62
  • Tour 20 years
  • Badge 13970
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life plus 35 years

off duty, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 10, 2024

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