CHICAGO (WLS) -- Fallen Chicago police officers, including Officer Aréanah Preston, were honored Wednesday as their names were added to the Gold Star Memorial Wall.
Preston's name joined hundreds of other fallen officers' on the Gold Star Memorial Wall.
SEE ALSO: Prosecutors in murder of Aréanah Preston, Chicago police officer killed, ask for new judge
Preston's mother and family were there, along with a number of other CPD members, paying respect to the 24-year-old fallen officer. They, along with other gold star families, were flanked by officers carrying tributes to those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.
"It is such a gift and a richness this city has that we can all gather and remember and that we have this beautiful memorial, and any time I miss my husband I can go see his name etched on a wall," said Jennifer Loudon, widow of Officer Thor Soderberg.
Preston was shot and killed on May 6 outside of her Avalon Park home, after finishing a shift. She worked out of CPD's 5th District for three years.
Four teens are charged in the case.
"To every single family here today we pray we love and support you, my prayers that you find solace and comfort even in this moment," said Mayor Brandon Johnson at the memorial ceremony.
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation built the Gold Star Memorial Wall to ensure that no one who has given so much to the city is ever really gone, which can only happen when they are forgotten.
"Officers of different backgrounds and cultures and faiths have put on this uniform and pinned on the police star and without fail, they do their best to make our neighborhoods stronger and our city safer," said Interim CPD Supt. Fred Waller.
