Northern Illinois Multi Jurisdictional Honor Guard

06/18/2026

The Northern Illinois Multi-Jurisdictional Honor Guard is supporting the Kevin D. Rice. Sr.
Memorial Bike Ride and Picnic. If you are able we encourage our followers, friends and family to donate or help in anyway they can.

When: Saturday, August 1, 2026

Please join us in marking this 25‑year milestone of remembrance, impact, and community connection.

The Kevin D. Rice. Sr. Memorial Bike Ride and Picnic event brings together riders, families, and community members to honor and celebrate Kevin’s legacy while raising funds to support the criminal justice scholarship in his name through the Rock Valley College Foundation.

Bicycle riders will complete a 15.7-mile loop in honor of Kevin’s badge number, passing through key locations that reflect his legacy, including Rock Valley College; the site of the Kevin D. Rice memorial bench and the RVC Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame; the 9/11 Emergency Responders Memorial; Greenwood Cemetery; and the Kevin D. Rice Memorial Playground.

This ride will begin and end at the parking lot of the Winnebago County 9/11 Emergency Responders Memorial located at the southeast corner of W. State Street and Kilburn Avenue in Rockford, IL.

A Celebration of Life picnic will follow at noon at the Macedonia Baptist Church located at 1720 Morgan St, Rockford, IL 61102.

Link:

The Kevin D. Rice. Sr. Memorial Bike Ride and Picnic is on Saturday August 1, 2026. It includes the following events: 157 Honor Rider - Participation Only, 157 Valor Rider - Participation + challenge coin, 157 Legacy Rider - Participation + event t-shirt, and 157 Sacrifice Rider - Participation + ch...

05/30/2026

05/20/2026

05/17/2026

The Northern Illinois Multi-Jurisdictional Honor Guard will be hosting a Memorial for Retired Winnebago County Deputy, Ron James for anyone who wishes to pass on their condolences to his family.

There is no service or flag presentation as this was already done at his funeral in Mississippi.

The Memorial will be from 2pm-6pm on 5/22/2026 at Grace United Methodist Church - 3555 McFarland Rd., Rockford, IL 61114.

On behalf of The Northern Illinois Multi-Jurisdictional Honor Guard Members.

- Recognition - Memory - Honor -

It is with a heavy heart, that I want to inform everyone of the passing of Honor Guard Teammate Ron James. Last week Ron was admitted to the hospital for blood pressures below the normal level. Through the week they became worse. Ron was admitted to critical care at which time his organs started to shut down. Ron underwent a major surgery in hopes of rebound. Shortly after midnight today, he succumbed to his ailments. Ron will forever be remembered for his dedication to community and most of all his fellow officers. Ron was always there for the details we performed for the families of those that have served before us. Ron brought laughter and joy to each and every event he participated in, making it easier for all of those that were involved. He took the lead on fundraising for the team in Springfield. When Ron retired he asked if he could keep the uniform so he could wear it when needed, even though he was leaving the state. Ron represented our organization in multiple law enforcement Line of Duty Death funerals in the southern states. I am proud to have known Ron throughout his time with Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, from corrections to patrol; but more importantly with the Northern Illinois Multi-Jurisdictional Honor Guard. Ron has given his heart and soul to the community, the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department and all surrounding communities.

Daniel Watton
President / Commander
Northern IL Multi-Jurisdictional Honor Guard

05/13/2026

Not only is tonight the local memorial service for the fallen officers throughout Northern Illinois (see our event for posted this week for complete details), it’s also the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, DC at the Memorial.

The event is being live-streamed on a few different platforms (links posted below are for the NLEOMF website) and it starts at 7 pm CST on 5-13-2026.

2026 Candlelight Vigil website: https://nleomf.org/memorial/programs/national-police-week-2026/candlelight-vigil/

YouTube: YouTube.com/NLEOMF

Facebook: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/national-law-enforcement-officers-memorial-fund

On behalf of The Northern Illinois Multi-Jurisdictional Honor Guard Members.

- Recognition - Memory - Honor -

Honoring the fallen, telling the story of law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve.

05/13/2026

Good morning all! This week is the 2026 National Police Week. Our local law enforcement officers from all over the Northern Illinois Area will be representing their departments/agencies at Cherryvale Mall from Friday through Sunday. Come out and see your local police officers, squad cars & ask some questions.

There wil be special presentations & events through out the weekend. A full schedule is attached.