Park Forest Police Officer Timothy “Tim” Jones was honored on Apr. 1 during the annual Leo Remembrance Hockey Tournament at Fifth Third Arena in Chicago. Law enforcement teams from Boston, New York, Detroit, and Chicago gathered for the two-day event to remember officers who died in the line of duty.
The tournament brings together local officers and federal partners, including representatives from FBI offices and FBI Director Kash Patel, to commemorate fallen law enforcement members through both sport and service. During a special tribute on the ice, Jones’s name and story were shared alongside those of other officers who lost their lives while serving their communities.
Jones died at age 34 on Dec. 3, 2025. He had been paralyzed since a shooting in 2016 during an arrest attempt but continued to inspire his colleagues with resilience and positivity despite initial doubts about his survival. His perseverance left a lasting impression on both the Park Forest Police Department and residents.
During the remembrance ceremony held between games, family members and friends joined players on the ice to reflect on lives dedicated to public service. Park Forest Police Chief Brian Rzyski previously called for honoring Jones by “living with the same compassion, duty, and respect he demonstrated.” The community continues to recognize Jones through tributes such as Honorary Officer Tim Jones Way and an annual physical fitness award named after him.
According to the official website of Village of Park Forest, community health is promoted through commissions and programs according to village officials. The village has also received recognition for sustainability efforts in town planning as reported by its website.
Village of Park Forest aims to improve economic conditions by collaborating across departments according to its official site. It operates under a council-manager government structure featuring a mayor and six trustees as outlined online, shows leadership by supporting climate protection initiatives according to village reports, and offers educational opportunities like its Civic Leadership Academy to address local issues.
The remembrance hockey tournament serves as an ongoing reminder that while individual careers may end, the impact made by officers like Jones remains significant within their communities.
