All in the family
For Jim Ade (right), president of the Chicago Sergeant’s Union, policing is a proud family tradition going back four generations.
“My grandfather, Patrolman Norman Ade, joined the Chicago Police Department on February 12, 1929, two days prior to the St. Valentine’s Massacre,” Jim said. “He was issued a star numbered 5778. After a storied 32-year career, he passed away in 1961. My father, Russ (left), who joined the department in 1958, was given his father’s star and wore it proudly for more than 37 years. He retired in 1999 and the star was transferred to his brother Don until he retired a year later.
For the past ten years, the star was worn by a family friend who willingly gave it up so that my son, James Jr. (center), could carry on the family tradition. After several months at the Chicago Police Academy, James Jr., was issued the same star number as his great grandfather wore over 80 years ago.
It was a very proud moment when my father was able to pin his old star on his grandson. I know that he wears it with pride.”