P.O. Nathaniel Taylor #7322
| Name: | Taylor, Nathaniel |
| Star: | 7322 |
| Rank: | Police Officer |
| District / Unit: | Organized Crime Division |
| End of Watch: | 28-Sep-2008 |
| Incident Details: |
Officer Nathaniel Taylor, Jr. was shot and killed as he and several other officers served a search warrant at a home near 79th and Clyde streets. While the officers were on the scene, the target of the warrant arrived at the location. As officers approached to question him, he opened fire striking Officer Taylor three times. Other officers returned fire, wounding the suspect. Officer Taylor was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds later in the day. Officer Taylor was a US Marine Corps veteran of Operation Desert Storm and had served with the Chicago Police Department for 14 years. He was assigned to the gang and narcotics unit. He is survived by his wife and daughter. |
Reflections
God rest his soul. May his legacy live on. Prayers and thoughts for his family.
RIP
3 years ago, it seems like yesterday. RIP Nate. You were a Great person and Police Officer. You will never be forgotten.
Three years ago from today I was at the scene of Nate's murder after responding to the "Officer down" call. It is a day I will never forget for the rest of my life. I never knew Nate personally but from what I read and from what people have told me, he was a great person. I recently bought a memorial bracelet with his name on it and I will wear it in honor and remembrance of him giving the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in peace and I know your in a better place now. PO Scott Liebhaber
RIP my friend...I/we miss u dearly. Not a day goes by that your not thought of. My heart is very heavy today and prayers are out to all on this day. Thank You for just being you. Your were one in a million! Thank you for being the special person that you are. Love ya
Officer Nate Taylor will always be remember and never forgotten !!!!
I was a Chicago Police Cadet asked to attend the funeral services and work the front door. This was not work; I was proud to be there. I was hurt. I may have not had a real badge, police powers, or considered part of the "blue line." Despite my previous feelings i felt the pain. I was proud that day to be on the same side as Ofc. Taylor doing my part, though minimal, in the name of justice. I hope the Taylor family finds comfort in the pride he took in his job, his bravery, and service to both his city and country. God Bless.
I asked myself on this third anniversary of our fallen comrade how do I reflect.. 28 Sep 08 was by far the worst day of my police career. But because Nate was such a phenomenal human being it's difficult to be angry or sad. Nate would say on this day of reflection "cheer up and let's get back out there, I'm just a regular guy don't be sad for me". Nate was far from "regular." It was a pleasure learning how to be the "real" police alongside him. Nate you will always be the best, you have been truly missed and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for giving your all and for being the best partner ever.
Nate, Today is the day we will celebrate your life. Happy Birthday.. Naomi has been speaking and talking about past times shared with you in good spirits.. You have blessed both Naomi and Noni with love and kindness the best they both shared with a true man.. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST.
Nate you will be greatly missed. I sleep with a pin of your star next to my bed every night knowing you made the ultimate sacrifice to keep me and the rest of this city safe. You did what had to be done and we all thank you for it. You are a great inspiration to me, my friends and my family. I workout in your memorial shirts almost everyday, and someone always makes a comment to me about how wonderful the sacrifice you made for the city. Your daughter will be taken care of by your bothers is blue. I can assure you of that. You will always be with us and will live on forever not only at fillmore and homan, but in every district, area and law enforcement office across this country. God bless you, your family and the Chicago Police Department.
This morning at 0530 hrs., the exact time of your ultimate sacrifice. I visited the scene of your heroic actions two years ago today. I remember working Special Employment with you, and then as a detective, working on some of your cases. You were a great police officer and are missed.
May 15, 2009 I dedicated the memorial policeman’s workout to this fallen officer. I grew up on the south side of Chicago and know the dangers that officers face on a daily basis this my way of saying thank you. Thank you for being there for our children and loved ones you will always be remembered -- Blaire Thomas, TCO Westmont Police Department 05/16/2009 ****************
I will always remember your smile, your eyes lighting up with love and happiness everytime you saw naomi and the way you picked her up and carried her like a bear protecting his cub. You were a true father and good friend.You will truly be missed, always forever in our hearts. I just hope and pray naomi will continue be protected by you in spirit like she is now. Most important may GOD bless us and healing start because my heart is still hurting. -- ANGEL 05/03/2009 ****************
It was truly an honor running to remember officer Taylor this morning. I pray his family finds strength and peace during their healing process. -- Loyda Acosta 05/02/2009 ****************
I think about you every day Nate, you are missed beyond belief! You will forever be in my heart and never forgotten. You will always be my guardian angel. With your passing, you have changed our lives forever...Justice will be served to the evil who took you from us and your family. May 2nd is for you my friend. -- M.B.-189 04/18/2009 ****************
Nate is definitely missed, but will always be remembered by his wonderful deeds. He was a Hero long before becoming a cop. He served his country in United State Marine Corps, as well. He was a decorated Vetran of Operation Desert Storm. He shared his plans over in the Middle East, all the time, of becoming a cop and succeeding these goals by being righteous, the Man was real and I am glad to have served with him and look forward to serving with him again, see you in Heaven. -- Sgt. D. Overton, USMC 03/30/2009 ****************
I will always remember how pleasant you were at all times. I was supposed to be there with Nate that morning. I had training for TARA , so last minute my day off got changed. I loved Nate. A great person. -- Lori Bechina 03/20/2009 ****************
Thank you Nate, you've made the ultimate sacrifice, and may God welcome you into his Kingdom. Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righeousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou at with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the lord for ever. -- Lamont Johnson, DEA 03/06/2009 ****************
There is a star that has fallen and he will be forever in my heart He was and always will be my hero. My prayers for him and his family the ones that remember the deeds he did for all those he came in contact with and to his partner my heart felt thanks for all that you have done for me in the past. -- Brian J Ferguson 03/10/09 ****************
God bless Officer taylor and his family !! Prayers are being sent!! -- Jamie Chesna #11881 03/10/09 ****************
Nate, you were an awesome, wonderful man. I have been so blessed to have had the time with you I had. I will always remember your smile and bubbly personality with your soft spoken voice. The city of Chicago has lost a true hero. There will never be another like you. You were such an approachable guy. You never turned your head away, shirked any help you could give. I was angry for a while after you passed because I couldn't understand why your life wasn't spared. That was the human side of me. But I had to remember that God put you here for a certain amount of time and your job here was done. I will always remember you and your smile. I look forward to the day when we meet again. Love you always. -- CNB 03/3/09 ****************
You will be missed, you were a good partner and a great friend. God Bless!!! Rest in peace my brother. -- F BANDA # 19073 12/17/08 ****************
God Bless my brother. -- wrpd 12/15/08 ****************
-- Brenda Pettigrew 12/13/08 ****************
I pray that your family gets through this and Nate's children grow with the understanding that their father was a hero in great proportion. May the Most High be with you always. -- Linda Walton-Troutman 10/04/2008 ****************
My deepest sympathy to your family and may God keep you close in this time of loss and may God bless and comfort your family in his own loving way. -- Theresa Estepa 10/04/2008 ****************
Ofc. Nate was a good friend to everyone and a excellent police officer. You never knew when he had a bad day. When you have problems ,he would always have you look on the brighter side and take a positive approach. It seems as if God takes all the Angels once there job is completed. I think about all of the positive things that we have said about him and how he has touched our lives in different ways. I see that God positioned Nate here for a reason and this was his season . We were seasoned by Nate. THE wife,daughter,family,co-workers,friends,and the community. He completed did his job from God. For some reason I believe it ,but I feel that it is unfair that we keep losing our best officers such as Eric Lee another Englewood ranger as well. Those two guys are looking down on us now smiling. Those guys are our heroes. -- Ofc.Daliah Goree Pruitt 10/04/2008 ****************
To the family of Officer Taylor, you have the most sincere condolences from the men & women of the Kendall County Sheriff's Office of your devasting loss. You will be in our prayers. -- Sheriff R. Randall 10/04/2008 ****************
Thank you Officer Taylor for protecting us from the evil that roams our neighborhoods. May God bless you and look over your loved ones. Be careful out there everyone, and give your loved ones an extra hug for Officer Taylor. -- T Evans 10/03/2008 ****************
Nate was with out any doubt one of this worlds best friends. Nate would reach out to help anyone particularly those around him. I didn't spend a lot of time with Nate but the times I spent in his company were great, memorable times. We were both very busy men with occupation, business and family. We would always see one another in passing on the south side or else where in the city. We always waived, perhaps stopped to speak for a moment greeting with a smile. Nate Taylor was not only or just one of Chicago's finest but a great,father, brother,fellow man and human being that will be missed most at home also by this world. -- Al McCormick & Family 10/02/2008 ****************
R.I.P. BROTHER. DUTY HAS CALLED YOU ELSEWHERE. -- TPR. R.J. Franck 10/02/2008 ****************
I am an instructor at Saint Xavier University and also was an advisor to the undergraduates at the Police Academy in our business degree completion program there. I met Nate at the academy, and advised him through the successful completion of his undergraduate degree last May. I also had Nate in two of my classes. Nate is just an outstanding human being and student. He was always soft spoken and kind not only to me but all those he associated with. If there is a lasting memory I have of him it was that wonderful smile and laugh that would bring light to anyone's day. The memory of Nate and the untimely and sad way he was taken from us is a memory I will have the rest of my life. The prayers of my family and I go out to Nate's family during this time and in the years to come. Let your faith be strong and know that one day we will all see him again. God Bless you. -- Bob Cyborski (Saint Xavier University) 10/02/2008 ****************
Our brother Nate has passed doing what he likes to do best. He was there to serve and protect. Our deepest sorrow goes out from our family to his wife and daughter. I just want to remind them of the following Biblical quote and tell them their Chicago police family will always be there for them. "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. . . . For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:10, 13 King James Version Bible -- Eyad J. Alnemri 10/02/2008 ****************
I have etched in my mind forever, Nate's smile, as we would pass in the hall at work. Telling each other how good life is, a part of that goodness is now gone. -- A Friend in 196 10/02/2008 ****************
Nate you have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this city safe along with our fellow brothers and sisters. God bless you, you will not be forgotten. My deepest sympathies goes out to the Taylor family, and my thoughts and prayers are with you. -- J.Ho-020 10/02/2008 ****************
The thoughts and prayers of my family, and the Family of the Berwyn Police Department are with Nate and his family. May God grant him eternal rest, and his family members peace. Nate died a hero. Godspeed. -- Chief Bill Kushner Berwyn PD (retired CPD Lt) 10/02/2008 ****************
To the family of Nate Taylor, My deepest condolences, Nate was on my team when I came back to the Narcotics Unit. Nate was there anytime I needed help. Truly a great officer to have on any team. A great gentleman with a great smile. He will be missed by all. -- Armando G. Ramirez, Ret. Sgt. unit 189 10/02/2008 ****************
MY FAMILY SENDS OUR DEEPEST CONDOLONCES AND PRAYERS IN THE LOSS OF A VERY FINE MAN. WE SHARE YOUR PAIN AND TEARS. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOUR FAMILY DURING THESE ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT DAYS. PLEASE ALLOW YOUR INNER SPIRIT AND MEMORIES OF NATE'S RADIANT SMILE TO COMFORT YOU. -- DETECTIVE PATRICE BRADFORD PEER SUPPORT AREA ONE 10/02/2008 ****************
Only heroes do this work. God bless you, Nate, and God bless your family and friends. You will be missed. -- Art Hannus 10/02/2008 ****************
The prayers of the Gainer family go out to Nate's family and his many friends. Nate was a great guy, always smiling and he always had something nice to say and a smile on his face. He was a great Police Officer and an even better man. We will all miss him. -- Sgt. Marty Gainer 22nd District 10/02/2008 ****************
My prayers are with the family of this wonderful young man, who was taken all to soon. He will be sorely missed. May God bless and keep you until you meet again. -- Juanita Johnson (OCD Administration) 10/02/2008 ****************
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family of Officer Taylor. Nate was in my elementary school class. He will be missed. -- Candace Lewis 10/01/2008 ****************
Back in the day when things were cool, I remember a very nice & handsome policeman named Nate' who worked in the "Wood" we were all tight, there was a strong comradeship amongst us. While in the wood , we made each other feel safe,very safe. We rode on each others jobs 3 & 4 cars deep. There were many, many laughs and we always went home safe to our families after a day of workin' in the wood. I know we was a family back then. Unfortunately, you had to leave & join Eric, to which is so so sad. I know you guys are up there laughin' & joken. One thing is for sure we have a lost a fantastic policemen. It is our loss and definitely Gods gain. -- Officer Regina Stewart aka "Belmer" 10/01/2008 ****************
Rest. Please rest. The watch is over. Your job is done. We cannot express our gratitude it is undying. Thank you for your service. Thank you for yourself. -- Anonymous 10/01/2008 ****************
To the family of Officer Nathaniel Taylor. I did not know this office but because I worked in the legal field in the past I just wanted to let you all know that you're in my prayers. I will continue to hold the wife and daughter up in prayer as well as the rest of the Taylor Family. God bless and keep you all safe in his loving arms. Yours in Christ, -- A person who cares 10/01/2008 ****************
Officer Taylor, our thoughts and prayers are with all of your loved ones. Thank you so much for your service and dedication. -- The Manos Family, Edwardsville, Illinois 10/01/2008 ****************
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. -- GERALD E CERNAK 10/01/2008 ****************
Ms. Taylor, I know right now your feeling lost and confused about how god can take such a "fresh breathe of air" from you and your child. But know that "God has your Back" and know that you will always have "fresh air" and every time you inhale and exhale you'll feel Nathaniel presence right next too you watching over you. I know this to be the case because I am a widow as well I lost my husband when I was 31 and he was 33 to and illness. Your "Soul mate", will always be there every step of the way to help you and heal. -- LaRonda McGee 10/01/2008 ****************
Nate was a very good friend. We worked together, and we trained together at Eddie's gym. I remember Nate testing for the department, and thought "if they take Nate, they'll be getting an incredible human being". Whenever I think of Nate, I'll not recall the day he died, but rather his beaming smile and his greeting "Hey, Griff!". You just had to smile back. It's what drove Nate, feeding off of his thousands of friendships. -- Mike Griffin 10/01/2008 ****************
Be comforted in knowing your grief is felt by many and you and your family are in our prayers. -- Shirley Ford-Akbar 10/01/2008 ****************