Saturday, November 15, 2014

Jane Byrne - RIP

Various media coverage all over the place. Here's a sampling:
  • Jane Byrne was not mighty, like her mentor, Richard J. Daley.

    She was not beloved, like her successor, Harold Washington.

    Nor was she long-serving, like her bitter rival, Richard M. Daley.

    But she was mayor, Chicago’s first and only female mayor — making Chicago the largest city in the United States to elect a female chief executive — serving a single, tempestuous term, ushering the city into the 1980s, leaving her own colorful legacy during a time of political change, social upheaval and financial crisis.
But of course, coppers will remember her supporting the efforts to organize. The argument can be made that much of that has been squandered away over the past decades, but at the time, it was the biggest beneficial change to come down the pike in history. 

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    104 Comments:

    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I remember when she won the election. RIP Mayor Byrne.

    11/15/2014 12:14:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dean Sr. squandered away our strength. I did the math on graduate school and Dean cost me 65 thousand in order to get a PhD like him.

    11/15/2014 12:36:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Rest in peace "Lady Jane" as I fondly referred to her when speaking about her. That woman loved this city & she truly loved & respected police officers. In fact, she sent Christmas cards to every policeman! She was smart yet not cocky, tough but still classy. As far as I'm concerned she was not acknowledged for all the new concepts she brought to the city. I am glad she did receive some praise a few months back, but what took so long? Prayers & blessings for her as well as her daughter & family. Thank you for sharing her "with the city of Chicago!" L.A.C.

    11/15/2014 12:41:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Rest in Peace Janie Byrne...you sure took care of the Chicago Police best you could...sad bully Richie and his evil cabal took advantage of you by ignoring you...they truly were ugly....wonder if they will have front row seats for their meanness when they pass away? Life is short.

    11/15/2014 01:17:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    We all owe a debt of gratitude to Mayor Byrne. Prior to her jagoff Bilandic, may he rot in hell, fought tooth and nail against a union.

    She may not have been the greatest mayor but she was tough and fought against the 11th ward who thought the 5th floor was there personal fiefdom.

    11/15/2014 01:18:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    My partner said it best today. "I wouldn't be as financially well off today if Jane wasn't the mayor." She got the salaries up from a pittance and let CPD have a union. Somethings old man Daley and Bilandic wouldn't do. She loved her police. God Bless you Jane may you RIP.

    Retired

    11/15/2014 01:36:00 AM  
    Anonymous Sgt in 024 said...

    God Speed to the best Mayor CPD has ever known.

    11/15/2014 02:20:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I remember when overtime was paid as straight time only, no money option, overtime on election day was not compensated no matter how long you were at your poll, days off were cancelled on a whim, being held on standby because something "might" happen, piss off the boss?, well a couple of months on midnights will straighten him out, etc.

    Contract?, what contract?, just do as you're told.

    These things and others changed for the better after Jane Byrne became mayor. She wasn't perfect, but at the time she was the best thing that could have happened to the Police Department.

    I, and I am sure a lot of others, will always have a warm spot in our hearts for Jayne Byrne.

    11/15/2014 05:56:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    She got us a 20% raise over two years back in the day.We didnt even mind when we had to guard her and her husband when they moved into CABRINI GREEN for 6 weeks.(Political Move ) She was the best for the police.
    (A/1 S.O.G. (1975-1981)

    11/15/2014 06:21:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    She was a wonderful mayor who SUPPORTED her police dept ~ RIP Mayor Jane Byrne!

    11/15/2014 06:23:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    How many firefighters will attend the funeral?

    11/15/2014 07:05:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Jane Byrne welcomed television and film production companies back to Chicago where location shooting had been largely suspended for almost a decade and a half by Boss Daley. She also did the unthinkable and recognized that Chicago had a North Side when most of the prized patronage plums had been given to the South Side wards.

    I remember when she sought the Democratic mayoral primary nomination in 1987 and it looked as if the 11th Ward was sitting on its hands while Harold Washington was renominated.

    11/15/2014 07:21:00 AM  
    Blogger John Northen said...

    "(Jane Byrne) was not beloved, like her successor, Harold Washington." - Neil Steinberg, Chicago Sun-Times columnist.

    Speak for yourself, Mr. Steinberg.
    Many retired CPD regard Lady Jane as the only beloved mayor of our lifetime.

    Harold was a distant second. You may recall that a week before his death, he appointed the despised Idi Amin Dada as "top cop".

    11/15/2014 07:25:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Jane was the best friend Coppers ever had on the 5th Floor of City Hall. She treated us with respect and kindness though she made a mistake in appointing her Superintendent, it cannot be denied that she was our friend. She also had respect for vets and showed great courage in erecting the only monument to Vietnam Vets in the form of a beautiful fountain on Wacker near State which was later quietly taken down by the Stuttering Dwarf. She was a remarkable woman.

    11/15/2014 07:39:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    It's a disgrace that we have 50+ million dollar park named after Maggie Daley yet there is some bull shit plaza and xway interchange named after Jane Byrne.
    That stuttering little prick did all he could to keep her legacy buried. She did more for the police in her four years than Daley did in twenty.
    Being the first female mayor of a major city you would have thought that she would at least be a touch recognized. Harold Washington library and college. Richard M Daley Center and grammar school.
    Fuck Daley and his "evil cabal".
    Son of a bitch should be in the penitentiary with Blago.

    11/15/2014 08:23:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    the only Chicago mayor who was very supportive of the police.....rip Mrs Byrne

    11/15/2014 08:25:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Rest in Peace, Lady Jane knowing that you were revered by 'Chicago's Finest.'

    11/15/2014 08:26:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    She supported efforts to organize, but conversely the teachers, streets an San, and firefighters went out on strike due to her unwilling to negotiate

    11/15/2014 08:26:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    *** Mayor Jane Byrne Park ***

    a city with class that recognizes history

    .....Not political crime family member park

    11/15/2014 08:27:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    The last mayor that appriciated the police. Great lady. Class act.

    11/15/2014 08:39:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I will never forget the time me and my partner, while working in 009 received a call about a suspicious woman ringing doorbells on south Emerald. On arrival there she was all by herself, Jane Byrne, campaigning for mayor. She came across as one down to earth person. A definite friend of the police. RIP.

    11/15/2014 08:44:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Old Retired Guy Here...Again !!!!!
    So many great memories of Her Era. I would not know where to begin. The Late Great Joseph McCarthy Would of Course, Be One. The Bureau Of Field Tactical Services. I had the pleasure to serve there, and stood in awe, of some of the great Police Officers,of that Long Forgotten Unit.
    Rest In Peace Great Lady Jane !

    11/15/2014 09:03:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Anonymous Anonymous said...
    I remember when overtime was paid as straight time only, no money option, overtime on election day was not compensated no matter how long you were at your poll, days off were cancelled on a whim, being held on standby because something "might" happen, piss off the boss?, well a couple of months on midnights will straighten him out, etc.

    Contract?, what contract?, just do as you're told.

    11/15/2014 05:56:00 AM


    Those are what people pine for, known as "The good old days." They weren't so good, actually. Only in hindsight. All the restrictive rules of today are due to shit pulled off in the "good old days."

    11/15/2014 09:35:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    She was a good mayor , loved the police ....too bad the CFD along with the 11th ward fought her every step of the way. Like the CFD striking on her, beefing on coppers and little Richie end running her with the blacks. I remember every fireman was for little Richie when he ran against Lady Jane and split the vote for Harold ( who was better than Daley). Then little Richie comes in a destroys the CFD , who,had backed him blindlessly, and got it in the end. Now we got rhamie the commie....

    11/15/2014 09:56:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    God bless you Mayor Byrne and your family. Thank you for everything you did for the city and police department. JM

    11/15/2014 10:02:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I remember "ChicagoFest" back when I was 8 years old. No wildings, no "Amish youth" back then...

    11/15/2014 10:39:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    When I was promoted in 82 she was unable to make the promotion ceremony. A week or two after the promotion ceremony she invited all the newly promoted Sergeants up to her office for a reception where she greeted, made small talk and took photographs with each newly promoted Sergeant and their wives.
    It was a thoughtful and gracious act by a wonderful lady.

    11/15/2014 10:44:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I second all comments that sing her praise for being a friend to us.

    11/15/2014 11:11:00 AM  
    Blogger Mr. SouthSide said...

    She didn't fight us getting a contract---enough for me.

    11/15/2014 11:54:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Nineteenth Warders and Eleventh Warders made her job miserable...always fighting with her. Can we imagine how much better she could have made Chicago with all that creativity she possessed if she didn't have to deal with them...they were so jealous...when they finally ended up taking over the city with Richie...they took all they could.

    11/15/2014 11:58:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Rest in peace Mayor Jane Byrne you were a class act. No other mayor since her has done so much for the police and for that I am so grateful, and as a sign of respect I encourage every officer to wear the mourning band on their stars

    11/15/2014 12:18:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Back in October 1982 the city named a bridge and an El stop after Officers Fahey and O'Brien who were killed in the line of duty. Dozens of PO's worked the details at these dedications. Mayor Byrne was so appreciative of the police officers involved that she invited us to a luncheon at the Chicago Yacht Club, everyone who worked the detail, Tact, Traffic and even the recruits from the academy. Got lunch on the mayor. Best friend the police ever had and a class act. R.I.P.

    11/15/2014 12:32:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Saw her at the dedication when 22 W. Monroe went up.

    Ah, Chicagofest. Walking down the funky old cement Navy Pier with a big wax paper cup a beer in each hand, enjoying the lake, the sunset, the city view. Peaceful. "No worries, mate!" Best part was the guy who got around into a storage area, hurled a full half-keg into the water, than jumped in and started trying to swim the thing to shore. Fun for all.

    Still had the WWII fleet sub, the USS Silversides, moored there.

    WTTW's Chicago Tonight just ran some old interviews with her. Steady on, didn't go jerkin around like she was looking for a loose Xanax Scotch-taped to the wall or something.

    Sure, the Cabrini apartment was a "political move," but one of the best I've seen. Showed more brass than anyone in that chair for a long time.

    Brings back memories. Bless you, Jane. Rest now and be at peace.



    11/15/2014 01:10:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    SHE LOVED THE POLICE AND THE POLICE LOVED HER! But who doesn't love a woman with spunk and backbone!

    11/15/2014 01:22:00 PM  
    Blogger Cuthbert J Twillie said...

    We LOVED Mayor Jane Byrne's *Chicago FEST*, even though Navy Pier was 'a bit shabby' back then.

    We walked all the way out and back and my wife & I had a hellva good time there -- we were young, still pretty much newlyweds, our first daughter was yet to be born and we were both full of Pee & Vinegar and always ready for a good time. I remember stopping at the 'LOOP's' (WLUP) music stage and listening, sure there were other stages we stopped at to, the old brain just can't recall now. ;-)

    I liked her idea of also bringing a Professional Auto Race to Chicago too, not NASCAR, but 'IndyCar' Road Racing which was a huge sport back then. IIRC the course was down Lake Shore Drive then over to Michigan Avenue. That whole idea was ridiculed to no end like she was out of her mind. I'm pretty sure one of the biggest biggest critics was Richie Daley; 'What, Race down Lake Shore Drive?!?...that's crazy...harrumph! harrumph! harrumph!'

    Oh well, Rest In Peace Mayor Byrne.

    11/15/2014 01:45:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    And keep in mind that if it weren't for Byrne, The Blues Brothers movie (the good one) would not be able to do all it did. She gave them carte blanc cooperation.

    11/15/2014 02:04:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    God Bless Madame Mayor!

    11/15/2014 02:45:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I applaud Jane for her move into Cabrini after 11 murders occured there over a time period. Seeing that nowadays, 11 people are shot instantly over a weekend, you'd think that Emanuel would be brave enough to move his family into some abandoned Englewood home. Guess not. It would be the perfect stunt in his desire to 'bring jobs into the neighborhood.'

    11/15/2014 02:49:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Was she good for the checking accounts of average cops? Yes.

    Was she good for the city? No.

    Did she do more good than bad? No.

    She did some good though and the union, contract, "Blues Brothers" and bringing people downtown were good. Selling out to the two Eds was not.

    11/15/2014 02:57:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I remember as a kid when she posed with the Blue Brothers when they filmed the movie here. Can somebody post that picture?

    11/15/2014 03:08:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    R.I.P. Mayor Byrne

    Suck it Richie.

    11/15/2014 03:41:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    RIP Mayor Byrne,
    Thanks you for all you did for the Police.
    Ret. 177

    11/15/2014 04:38:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Anonymous Anonymous said...
    It's a disgrace that we have 50+ million dollar park named after Maggie Daley yet there is some bull shit plaza and xway interchange named after Jane Byrne.
    That stuttering little prick did all he could to keep her legacy buried. She did more for the police in her four years than Daley did in twenty.
    Being the first female mayor of a major city you would have thought that she would at least be a touch recognized. Harold Washington library and college. Richard M Daley Center and grammar school.
    Fuck Daley and his "evil cabal".
    Son of a bitch should be in the penitentiary with Blago.

    11/15/2014 08:23:00 AM


    They had a plaque for her at Wacker and Wabash. Jane always said she liked that little thing and appreciated it. Rat bastard Daley had it removed when work was done on Wacker Drive. He said, when asked, that is was safely in storage." Right. It was never seen again and of course was not replaced.

    Small minded petty vindictive lousy prick Richard M Daley. I would show Daley what vindictive is. I would like to be elected Mayor for one reason: I would tear the name Maggie Daley Park off that park next to Millennium Park and leave the metal for the junk pickers and I would rename it in a very pubic ceremony "Jane Byrne Park." Then I would send a hand written invitation to Richy. He can scrooten that, the miserable turd.

    11/15/2014 04:54:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Well said, R.I.P Madame Mayor.

    11/15/2014 04:55:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Anonymous said...

    "...WTTW's Chicago Tonight just ran some old interviews with her. Steady on, didn't go jerkin around like she was looking for a loose Xanax Scotch-taped to the wall or something..."

    11/15/2014 01:10:00 PM

    Good God Almighty!

    Do you know how that analogy sums up the sulfur smelling, fork-tailed municipal affliction named Rahm Emanuel?

    The man twitches, hums and vibrates with such animus and malice that we are going to actually cheer when he finally lets loose an otherworldly scream and tears off that stolen human skin that's chafing him so damn badly!

    Chicago is a mean and evil town politically...

    Madame Mayor wasn't perfect but we're sure that in her heart she really DID want to do what was right but The Chicago Democratic Machine Old Guard/Daley Inc. fought her every step of the way because they felt that "Runnin' T'ings In Chicawguh" was their birthright."

    Is there Chicago Fest in Heaven?
    ;^)


    Oh yeah, Ritchie and Rahm?
    A special hot fire is being stoked for you bastards...

    11/15/2014 05:52:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Janie was great! Rest in Peace Mayor

    11/15/2014 06:18:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I was young when she was mayor , but I will always remember her name and the old timers that i would talk to on the job would definitely say she respected the police ! I have yet to see any mayor after her that has actually been "good" for the city or truly respected the police !! Thank you & R.I.P.Jane Byrne...

    11/15/2014 06:30:00 PM  
    Anonymous Carolynn said...

    RIP Mayor Byrne. You will always be special to me. I remember her as a little girl at pee wee summer camp. I won queen bee and she came up to me and my family and congratulated me and took a pic with me and my family... very inspiring to a little girl :)

    11/15/2014 07:03:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    She gave us unification she supported the police she would have made us the highest paid police dept. in the country if she was re-elected but oh no assholes split the vote with that criminal jagoff daley . RIP JANE you were the best.

    11/15/2014 08:25:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    What a refreshing post to read, so many GOOD THINGS about someone. All true and hopefully history will repeat itself.
    RIP Mayor-you have been missed for years!

    11/15/2014 08:34:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I remember her from the detail at Chicagofest in 1982. She addressed the night roll call and chatted with us. When she toured the pier she waved and spoke to the officers. Harold Washington came up to me to chat at a detail at Weber HS. In both instances there were no cameras around so they were not photo ops. They were both personable people. I was at a detail when Congressman Rahm came up to me with his cameraman for a photo. I walked away very quickly. All times were in uniform.

    11/15/2014 08:38:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    For every good and decent move regarding the police that Jane made, Richard M Daley made 10 negative moves.

    I know, never wish ill of anyone but if that mumbling prick was in the box, well, as was once said, I never killed anyone but I have enjoyed reading a few obituaries.

    11/15/2014 08:42:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    She was the BEST for her Boys in Blue. One reason for that is that she was that Jayne Byrne (nee Burke) was the widow of a Marine Corps pilot who one day went to work and ended up in a smoking hole in the ground. So she knew what it was like to loose that loved one in uniform.

    God Rest Her Soul.

    11/15/2014 09:03:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    *** Mayor Jane Byrne Park ***

    a city with class that recognizes history

    Great idea

    Petition Now Write in to City Hall demand Jane Byrne Park

    11/15/2014 10:18:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I had the pleasure of knowing Mayor Byrne. She cared much for police and their families.

    God bless you and RIP Mayor Jane Byrne.

    11/15/2014 11:43:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Mayor Byrne was the only mayor to approach me WHILE I WAS WORKING (and not on a detail) and shake my hand. She was long out of office, but she shook my hand and told me my work was appreciated. I almost fainted on the spot. No, Ma'am. Thank you for taking the time to thank a working joe. It's a treasured memory.

    11/16/2014 12:10:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Its so nice to read of the respect and regard many present and former Chicago Police Officers have for Mayor Jane Byrne. Wouldn't it be terrific if signatures were obtained for a true recognition of her presence within this city??...ie....re-name a Chicago Police Station after her or the Jane M. Byrne Museum Campus, or the Jane Byrne International Airport or the Jane M. Byrne Lakefront Navy Pier. How about it?? Rest in Peace Mayor Byrne. We hardly knew Ye but we are trying to remember Ye!!!


    11/16/2014 12:17:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    >>>Anonymous said...
    Anonymous Anonymous said...
    I remember when overtime was paid as straight time only, no money option, overtime on election day was not compensated no matter how long you were at your poll, days off were cancelled on a whim, being held on standby because something "might" happen, piss off the boss?, well a couple of months on midnights will straighten him out, etc.

    Contract?, what contract?, just do as you're told.

    11/15/2014 05:56:00 AM


    Those are what people pine for, known as "The good old days." They weren't so good, actually. Only in hindsight. All the restrictive rules of today are due to shit pulled off in the "good old days."

    11/15/2014 09:35:00 AM<<<

    And if you had more than 40 hours of Time Due on the books after your furlough, you lost them. They were just erased.

    God Bless Lady Jane for getting us out of the 19th Century.

    About giving the Blues Brothers carte blanc to make their movie she did a lot to revitalize the movie industry in Chicago. Even Harold Washington did a lot to build it up. Then Richie Daley came along and killed off all the small businesses here that employed all kinds of people with new taxes. The movies that are made her now not the same. Everything is from out of town even that big studio company at 16th and Western is Canadian. It was established when Shortshanks put the kabash on local people building one.

    11/16/2014 12:52:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Good Lord Almighty, please keep this great and loving woman close to you. MAYOR BYRNE was a true Chicago woman and loved this city.

    She and the Late MAYOR WASHINGTON spoke from the heart.

    daley was and will always be the fall of this great city. This PRICK took her name down everywhere it was. The PRICK is without a soul and his hateful spouse was no better.

    Rest easy dear MAYOR BYRNE, us copper' will never forget your name. Your HEART will live on forever !

    11/16/2014 01:06:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Rest in Peace Madam Mayor. I will always remember your smile. I'm sorry you didn't win against that piece of garbage Little Ritchie when you ran against him but you will be loved and in our hearts you will remain. Daley you will be loathed and the truth will come out about you. I will have my blues pressed and my shoes shined to pay my respects to the Mayor that loved her boys in blue.

    11/16/2014 01:50:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Their was no doubt that Jane was the best friend that we ever had. She made a great guy Joe McCarthy a big boss, who also knew how to take care of his guys. She promoted Joe from commander of 013 to Deputy Supertendent. At Joes promotion party Jane told a story how she begged him to meet with these so called community leaders, he kept refusing her. The community leaders were these Faln jagoffs, gang bangers etc. Finally he meet up with them in 013. At this meeting, these shower of assholes, began acting like real goofs. Joe then called in his guys and locked them all up!!! Her honor went on to say at that time, she knew Joe was the guy for the Job. Sadly Joe also passed away some time back. Moral of the story is that you will never find the likes of Jane Byrne, Joe McCarthy or guys like John Farrell again.

    11/16/2014 02:22:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    A good friend to the police. God rest her soul. Wish there were more like her!!!

    11/16/2014 02:51:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Violator of the Second Amendment.

    11/16/2014 04:26:00 AM  
    Blogger thebronze said...

    Here's a link to the pic of Mayor Byrne with Jake and Elwood:

    https://twitter.com/andrewpatner/status/533326801624256512/photo/1

    11/16/2014 04:35:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Nice to see all the good comments.

    11/16/2014 06:48:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    RIP Mayor Jane Byrne. Deepest condolences go out to you and your family.

    11/16/2014 06:49:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    If I can get a few cops to watch my back, I'll take the signs down from Maggot Daley park.
    mike the city worker

    11/16/2014 08:21:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I'm not in Chicago, nor a police officer I get my "news" from WBBM-AM.

    In all the tributes to the Lady, I heard nothing from Daley.

    At least now I know why.

    RIP Mayor Byrne.

    11/16/2014 08:24:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    The CFD got the "Danny boy" police their contract.She refused to negotiate and after the strike by CFD,was forced to take care of the Police who were her only friend at that time.She planted the seeds of bitterness between some CFD and CPD by the old political trick of divide and conquer.The raises that came at that time were because of the fight to get a fair contract.Treat the police good,give em a raise,and get their vote.If she treated the firefighters and paramedics fairly,she would have gotten their vote,and might have stayed as mayor.SCC,in all due respect,you can publish this alternative point of view!

    11/16/2014 08:50:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I remember when Byrne tried to return to the Mayor's office in 1987 and lost the primary to Washington. The vote counts from the 11th Ward were suspiciously low as if the ward organization did not want to see Byrne nominated.

    Daley was good about stealing credit for other people's accomplishments. Everyone remembers that he removed Byrne's name from the monument on Wacker Drive. Fewer people recall that the Lawrence Avenue bridge across the Chicago River was built by Big Bill Thompson (vandals stole the original dedication plaque). When the city spent some money to resurface the bridge and rehab the structure, Daley slapped a dedication plaque on a bridge that had been constructed in 1915!

    Another old memory: Byrne knew that Daley was gunning for her and she supported Burke for State's Attorney over Daley in the 1980 primary. When Daley advanced to the general election, she tried to assist the incumbent Republican Carey, but Daley narrowly won the general. Many people will tell you how the prosecutor's office went to hell when Daley was using it as his political springboard.

    11/16/2014 08:58:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    A class act. All I can saw is Thank You and God Speed.

    11/16/2014 09:00:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    RIP Mayor Jane, The only bright star in a cesspool of 11th ward mayors.

    11/16/2014 09:02:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Here's another little known fact. She gave jobs to police widows. She respected the police and showed it through her actions.

    11/16/2014 09:34:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Why do the headlines say she was not the beloved like Harold ? Talk about racism !! She was loved like him if not more. So get off your politically correct agenda and call it like it is. If that dip Richie didn't run against her she would have won easily

    11/16/2014 09:47:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Where's that petition to rename a certain 55 million dollar park ?

    11/16/2014 11:44:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    P.S. to one of my comments...

    If you want to see some interesting photos of Lady Jane, The Blues Brothers and the CPD...

    GOOGLE, Images "Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne Blues Brothers"

    There are a lot of photos, one I never saw before is her riding with our Mounted Unit.

    11/16/2014 11:48:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I remember the "quiet" campaign by daley, to remove every plaque that contained any mention of Mayor Jane Byrne, from all public buildings, etc. What a petty little man daley is ! I cannot wait for when his time to take the dirt nap arrives. I'll certainly piss on his grave every chance I get. I'm sure I'll be in a long line of Chicagoans waiting for a turn to pay tribute to a petty little "man".

    R.I.P. Mayor Byrne !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    11/16/2014 12:05:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I was in the old SOG when the two area 5 detectives got into an argument early on a Sunday morning, and one shot and killed the other on a Kennedy expy ramp at Cumberland. My partner and I were sent to guard the home of the deceased detective, and to keep the press from bothering the family. Jane showed up at the widow's home about an hour later, and stayed for quite a while. When she got out of her car, she smiled and waved at me and my partner. She loved the police like no other mayor before, or surely since ever did. She did so much for us.

    11/16/2014 02:43:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Anonymous said...
    I was in the old SOG when the two area 5 detectives got into an argument early on a Sunday morning, and one shot and killed the other on a Kennedy expy ramp at Cumberland. My partner and I were sent to guard the home of the deceased detective, and to keep the press from bothering the family. Jane showed up at the widow's home about an hour later, and stayed for quite a while. When she got out of her car, she smiled and waved at me and my partner. She loved the police like no other mayor before, or surely since ever did. She did so much for us.

    11/16/2014 02:43:00 PM


    You left out the part about drinking all night and the shooter was in an alcoholic blackout when he forced his partner out of the car and executed him.

    11/16/2014 08:04:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Anonymous said...
    Their was no doubt that Jane was the best friend that we ever had. She made a great guy Joe McCarthy a big boss, who also knew how to take care of his guys. She promoted Joe from commander of 013 to Deputy Supertendent. At Joes promotion party Jane told a story how she begged him to meet with these so called community leaders, he kept refusing her. The community leaders were these Faln jagoffs, gang bangers etc. Finally he meet up with them in 013. At this meeting, these shower of assholes, began acting like real goofs. Joe then called in his guys and locked them all up!!! Her honor went on to say at that time, she knew Joe was the guy for the Job. Sadly Joe also passed away some time back. Moral of the story is that you will never find the likes of Jane Byrne, Joe McCarthy or guys like John Farrell again.

    11/16/2014 02:22:00 AM


    She asked Joe why he wouldn't meet with the so called "community leaders." McCarthy explained he wasn't going to meet with people in the morning that he would have to arrest in the evening. I heard Jane liked that remark.

    She gave Joe a unit and 700 or so police officers to kick some ass. Joe swept a lot of corners and that resulted in a federal lawsuit. Still, Jane was OK by me and Joe was a damn good policeman. First time I met him I was in a marked car called to assist in serving a search warrant. Then Captain Joe McCarthy was in uniform with his guys and Joe wielded the sledge hammer and took the front door down. I thought holy shit, a Captain out there in uniform knocking down doors!

    11/16/2014 08:16:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Mayor Byrne Park

    All POs past and present should write city hall to demand that the disgrace by the lake Maggie park name be changed to a true champion of the police

    11/16/2014 08:36:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Daley is a coward...he could only pick on a woman....a woman smarter than he but who wasn't cruel. And to others, Jane really and truly respected Chicago Police Officers. It was not a stunt...same as it was not a stunt to have lived in Cabrini-Green for 3 weeks....most would not do that, ever...filled with rats, roaches, rodents and murderers. Take your pick...awful. And Jay, her husband returned over and over to help the baseball teams he started...no fakery just heart. RIP Mayor Byrne.

    11/16/2014 09:17:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    >>>She asked Joe why he wouldn't meet with the so called "community leaders." McCarthy explained he wasn't going to meet with people in the morning that he would have to arrest in the evening. I heard Jane liked that remark.

    She gave Joe a unit and 700 or so police officers to kick some ass. Joe swept a lot of corners and that resulted in a federal lawsuit. Still, Jane was OK by me and Joe was a damn good policeman. First time I met him I was in a marked car called to assist in serving a search warrant. Then Captain Joe McCarthy was in uniform with his guys and Joe wielded the sledge hammer and took the front door down. I thought holy shit, a Captain out there in uniform knocking down doors!

    11/16/2014 08:16:00 PM<<<

    Now Retired and I loved it when Jane was Mayor and never forgave Richie for what he did.

    I spent a lot of my career in Cabrini and have two artificial knees to show for it. The problem with "Patrolman Joe: was he didn't know when to turn it down and rated everyone by the numbers. The guy with 10 arrests was better that the guy with 9, who was better than...

    When Jane moved into Cabrini it was a publicity stunt but publicity gets thing done. Conditions in the projects improved and crime really went down. The legit citizens loved us because they could go out and not get hassled by the gang bangers. Jane also got the elevators fixed, the abandoned apartments boarded up and fresh paint everywhere.

    But the cops assigned to "Patrolman Joe" still had to rack up the numbers. And when gangbangers learned not to DPW and other foolishness the arrests started to be made on otherwise legit people. Some really stupid arrests were made just to get numbers and we lost a lot of good will.

    Stay Safe. I wish we wouldn't repeat the same mistakes, but we ways do.

    11/17/2014 12:55:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    8:50am

    You are a moron. Lets get the facts straight.

    CFD did not have any support from the trades unions. Why? Cause fireman consistently take jobs away from union tradesmen while working their second jobs (which most considered their first jobs).
    Typical asshole entitlement mentality, yeah for me and fuck the next guy.

    CFD had lukewarm and tacit support from CPD until firemen took it upon themselves to vandalize firehouses, police cars, commit arsons and burglaries. Try denying that. A big part of the contract was amnesty, not for only for striking but for those who committed crimes while on strike.

    Your "seeds of bitterness" were planted by CFD. Most of the bitterness is contained in your own Department with houses not talking to other houses. You speak of the paramedics yet they remain second class citizens in the Department. Yet one paramedic does more work than five firemen. And with the huge reduction in fires your job is safer than theirs!

    Your Union President was impatient and thought he could push a woman around. The strike was unnecessary, CFD was going to get theirs.

    24 people died in fires during the strike. How many of those would have lived had CFD not struck? 1? 5? 12? 24? How many children might they have had? While the strikers were getting drunk and burning wood in a barrell people were trapped in buildings waiting for help that wasn't coming. Those of you with a conscience know that those burned souls are not Jane's burden. They are yours.

    11/17/2014 01:10:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    daley & tiny dancer 9.5 could not make a tiny pimple on Mayor Byrne's behind !

    Rest in peace Madame Mayor !!!!!

    11/17/2014 08:41:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...


    You left out the part about drinking all night and the shooter was in an alcoholic blackout when he forced his partner out of the car and executed him.

    Can't wait for the next connected goof tries to use that as a reasonable defense. Pretty convenient

    11/17/2014 09:08:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Check out the photo of the Chicago police department's honor guard carrying Jane Byrne's casket into the church.
    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-jane-byrne-funeral-met-20141117-story.html

    11/17/2014 10:05:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    In the Tribune, Monday, day of Jane's funeral.

    "Cook County Commissioner John Daley said he was appearing at the funeral as the representative of his brother, former Mayor Richard M. Daley, who he said is out of town."
    --


    Anyone know where Mumbles lives and can verify if the stuttering prick is indeed out of town or, as I suspect, is getting drunk celebrating. Please post your findings, a picture if at all possible.

    11/17/2014 11:59:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Mayor Jane Byrne assisted if forming the Emerals Society Pipes and Drums.
    Thank You

    11/17/2014 01:22:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    You left out the part about drinking all night and the shooter was in an alcoholic blackout........

    This post was not about the incident but about the heartful love that Mayor Byrne had for the police. Why do you have to turn a good comment into airing dirty laundry from 30 years ago? You are a moron

    11/17/2014 01:59:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    the 11th n 19th wards are cess pools jane byrne loved the nw side

    11/17/2014 03:46:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    To 8:50 am ......
    You also want SCC to include all the fires set by striking firemen right? You also want SCC to mention all the complaints against CPD officers guarding firehouses and paramedics who,still did their jobs right? You also want SCC to mention that Mayor Byrne said to the CFD that they had to organize a bargaining unit, and such in a manner that was organized and proper instead of the mantra " give us our contract right f**king now" right? You also want SCC to include all the striking firemen who as non union side carpenter, plumbers, electricians etc.... Right? You also want SCC to remind anyone who sees a B O B on any CFD literature that it stands for brotherhood of the barrel aka " striking CFD arsonists" ..... Just a reminder SCC.....

    11/17/2014 04:10:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    The CPD made me proud to have been asworn member. You outstanding men and women showed the city how much Chicago loved this woan of all woman.
    Watching you member' in dress uniform saluting her will remain with me forever. You are all the best on the Nation. Jane' daughter and her grandson were over whelmed by your actions.

    God bless you all, no other police department comes close to you men and women by a long shot with all your class.

    11/17/2014 04:37:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Richie Daley has Alzheimer's disease.He's kept in the background.The press is covering for him also.Have you seen or heard of him at all in a long time?

    11/17/2014 04:44:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Rest in Peace Jane Byrne,

    You were and are loved by the Police.

    I only wish you could have been Mayor until your last day on earth.

    Detective 620/CPD GSF

    11/17/2014 04:44:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    My then watch commander (Captain) had been demoted by Mayor Byrne because he supported another canidate in aldermanic election in the district he commanded. One Saturday we were working the day shift and he sent myself and several other PO's and a Sgt on a short detail where Mayor Byrne was speaking. After she entered the building her driver called us over to the limo, opened the back door and said the Mayor brought lunch for us. Inside was a plated lunch for everyone from the district on the detail. I never saw anything like that from another Mayor. Kinda peeves me FOP has nothing on the site considering she gave us a contract after the Fire Dept strike.

    11/17/2014 05:22:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Richard M. Daley did not attend the funeral of former mayor Jayne Byrne. What disrespect. A disgrace. What a complete, Class A fucking asshole. This is the legacy of Daley. Press reports say Richard M. Daley was out of town, so the stooge John Daley was sent to represent the Daley family.
    Unfuckingbelievable.

    11/17/2014 05:28:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Jane was always a good friend to the Police.
    RIP Mayor Jane Byrne!

    11/17/2014 10:16:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Anonymous said...
    My then watch commander (Captain) had been demoted by Mayor Byrne because he supported another canidate in aldermanic election in the district he commanded. One Saturday we were working the day shift and he sent myself and several other PO's and a Sgt on a short detail where Mayor Byrne was speaking. After she entered the building her driver called us over to the limo, opened the back door and said the Mayor brought lunch for us. Inside was a plated lunch for everyone from the district on the detail. I never saw anything like that from another Mayor. Kinda peeves me FOP has nothing on the site considering she gave us a contract after the Fire Dept strike.

    11/17/2014 05:22:00 PM


    Back then all W/C's in Districts were Captains. If a Captain was off, the Lt. was an Acting W/C.

    Captain was still a civil service rank, unable to be demoted. Once promoted to Captain, a person could not be demoted just as a Lt. or Sgt. can not be demoted. Dumped yes, but not demoted.

    Detective is not a civil service rank and can be demoted. That rarely happens now but it used to happen if a Detective pissed off the wrong boss. Then you got put on a dump list. Now the dumping of detectives mostly stopped after the contract but the Captains did not give up rights to their rank until Richy Daley bought them off in the 90's. The City simply stopped promoting Captains for some years and then offered a cash payout to sign the paper giving up the permanent rank of Captain.

    Those Captains who were left sold out the rank. All Captains after that were political and thus Richy gained political control over the rank of Captain.

    11/17/2014 10:50:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    4:10pm

    I like your rebuttal to 850am even better than mine

    1:10am

    11/18/2014 12:53:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    ALZHEIMERS=Fitting end to crimelord daley,just like jos kennedy a prisoner in his own mind.Heard that MAYOR JANE BYRNE started the bagpipe honor band with her OWN money,unlike daley gang stealing+big time ego stroking.Resolution for 2015 REMOVE ALL SIGNAGE mentioning daley name!

    11/18/2014 06:07:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I've been in the job for 25 yrs, and my dad who was on here job said he never got as many beefs by citizens as he did by striking firemen.... He never trusted them, and sadly neither do I , this base in my experience not his....

    11/18/2014 10:58:00 AM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Anonymous Anonymous said...
    Richard M. Daley did not attend the funeral of former mayor Jayne Byrne. What disrespect. A disgrace. What a complete, Class A fucking asshole. This is the legacy of Daley. Press reports say Richard M. Daley was out of town, so the stooge John Daley was sent to represent the Daley family.
    Unfuckingbelievable.

    11/17/2014 05:28:00 PM

    Well enough to travel. Too ill to testify. Sure.
    And for the guy who posted that Richie has Alzheimer's, you mis-heard. What Richie has is FEDS-heimer's.

    11/18/2014 06:26:00 PM  
    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    From an old retired dog ass cop. Thank you Mayor Byrne for caring. Your with a lot of good guys now. Hope to be one some day.

    11/18/2014 08:13:00 PM  

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