The Near West Side offices of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 have been closed because of the coronavirus.
“Due to COVID-19 related issues, the FOP offices will be closed until further notice,” read a Monday message on the website of FOP Lodge 7, which represents more than 8,000 rank-and-file Chicago police officers.
FOP president John Catanzara declined in an email to say who or how many people have tested positive for the coronavirus at the police union headquarters, 1412 W. Washington Blvd.
“Please be advised the Lodge is taking every precaution necessary to ensure our staff and members are protected,” the FOP’s message read.
In mid-September, Catanzara attended a news conference outside the headquarters to endorse U.S. Senate candidate Willie Wilson, who said three weeks later that he tested positive for the coronavirus.
More than 900 Chicago Police Department members have tested positive for COVID-19, the department said in late September.
John Catanzara, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, places his hand on U.S. Senate candidate Willie Wilson’s arm, during a press conference outside the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 headquarters in West Town Wednesday morning, Sept. 16, 2020. The Fraternal Order of Police backed Wilson in the Senate race.
Pat Nabong/Sun-Times
