Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Eric, you are gone, but not forgotten. It's Dr. Brenda Eatman Aghahowa, your favorite Chicago State University English professor. Lol. You and I had a great rapport, and you followed me from class to class -- by choice! What a brave soul you were, both on the field and in academia, as my classes were always rigorous. I am sure you recall that fact, even in heaven. Lol. You always rose to the challenge academically, though. You were an excellent student!

I retired from CSU on July 1, 2023, but I am teaching my Publishing course this semester as an adjunct instructor. You are on my mind even today, in fact, while I handle some freelance editorial consulting with someone who is enrolled in a doctoral program at Chicago Theological Seminary. (You probably remember that, in addition to being a college-level English educator, I also am an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. I have published, taught, and presented extensively in the area of Black worship.) Once again, I find that I must share with someone basic information about how to craft an effective thesis statement and outline. Once again, it is your excellent argumentative research paper that I have chosen to refer to, in order to provide someone guidance.


You may recall that your final project for my ENG 1280 Composition II class was on the DEA's federal War on Drugs. (You left us some 22 years ago, and possibly were in a class with me maybe 24 years ago, but this paper still stands out in my mind as one of the best, possibly THE best, that I have ever received.) You viewed this so-called war as a farce, due to inadequate levels of funding and staffing. You also felt that DEA and other law enforcement officers targeted low-income persons of color for mass incarceration, and that more resources needed to be dedicated to treatment, counseling, and prevention related to drug addiction, rather than to punishment. Your argumentation, statistical data charts, and overall research were outstanding! I still brag on that paper and share your thesis statement and outline (as best as I can remember them after all these years) with individuals who are learning to develop these foundational items for writing projects.

You were stellar, both with regard to temperament and writing skill. You had a fantastic balance of tough and tender. Your Pastor, Rev. James Meeks of Salem Baptist Church, who also recently retired, described you during his Eulogy at your Homegoing service in the way that many persons have described President Abraham Lincoln, as 'Velvet Steel'. I cried and cried at that funeral, by the way. My heart still aches when I think of the violent way you were taken from us, and I still miss you. To be sure, you always will be remembered as one of my favorite students from my 26 years of teaching at CSU. Given your great people skills. I had fully expected you to rise to the level of Police Superintendent or even FBI Director. Alas, the world was robbed too soon of your genius and talent.

You were the best, Officer Eric D. Lee! Continue to rest in peace and in power, and I will continue to pray for your wife and daughter, whom you used to take to ballet lessons when you were not fighting crime on the streets of Englewood. I expect to see you again, when it is my turn to meet Jesus.

Blessings!

Rev. Dr. Brenda E. Aghahowa
Professor Emerita of English, Chicago State University

October 16, 2023

Babe it’s been 22 years and it feels like yesterday. There are no words to capture how much I miss and love you!

I’m so thankful to have been loved by you and cared for so much!

Rest my gentle GIANT! You’re forever in my heart!

N/a
Widow

August 19, 2023

Twenty-two years later, we still remember.

You and Andre are on eternal watch now.

I cannot reflect on life and not think fondly of 731.

Rangers, forever.

Rodriguez
Former partner

August 18, 2023

Hi Eric,
I miss you more & more, I remember all the good time we had hanging out being Happy & Free. You are in my heart forever. Pete & I talk about you still he misses you too. He is still CPD. RIP my friend. Always Edna

Edna L Laura
Friend

March 9, 2023

Mr. Lee: thank you for your service and sacrifice. You have touched my life with how much good you have contributed in your short time here and with compassion and grace. May you rest knowing how much you are loved and remembered for all of your acts of kindness. Thank you for protecting others in a time of need.

Anonymous
From Illinois

November 11, 2022

Remembering you, today and always.

7-3-1
Chicago Police

August 19, 2022

Hard to believe it's been twenty years.

From the many that will never forget, please continue to watch over us.

731!

Rodriguez
731

August 19, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Lee.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 25, 2021

Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 19, 2020

Always with us.

Old partner
731

August 19, 2020

I met Eric many many years ago, when his Daughter Erica & my Children attended the same daycare
(Small Stride). I would also run into him when he would come to the Juvenile Detention center off Roosevelt. He was a really good guy. It’s been 19 years.I miss my friend. I also, wondered how his Daughter Erica turned out.

Tia
Friend

August 4, 2020

RIP to a true friend. I didn't know about this until today. Needless to say this is a shock even though it's been 19 years ago. Eric never let any situation get the best of him and ervery challenge brought out the best of him
I remember the battles we had at Camp Horno playing basketball, he had a jumper like Bob "Butterbean" Love and if he was locked on, look out. My prayers and late condolences go out to his wife and family.

Charles Williams
GEMS Middle School ELA

July 27, 2020

I was in the Marines with Eric (“E” as we use to call him), what a great guy, I think of him often ,RIP Warrior and my friend

Former 1-Zebra GSU.. Jon Seabron
OPD (Ret)

December 31, 2019

Just as we did18 years ago, we all came together once again to honor, mourn and remember you, Eric.

Please know that you are with us everyday and are not forgotten.

7-31!

Rodriguez
old partner

August 19, 2019

RIP

JOE SEINITZ Joe Seinitz
CPD

September 11, 2018

Always remembered. 7-3-1

Old partner

August 19, 2018

May you rest in perpetual peace my brother. Thank you for your service. May that evil person suffer when it's time for him to go to hell, and that you always watch over your loving family from above.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

August 19, 2017

Your legacy will forever live on.

Student Nicolas Becerra
Mission Hills High School

May 2, 2017

I remember when you were honorably discharged from the Marine Corps as we and fellow Marines shared an apartment in California. You had spoken about going into law enforcement as did I. I'm deeply saddened of just learning of your passing and the fact we lost contact after leaving the Marine Corps. You were a friend, confidant and fellow Marine and I love you brother.

Former Federal Agent Mark Radcliff
MD Police & Correctional Training Commissins

January 24, 2017

Never forgotten.

Raul R
731

August 20, 2016

Dear Eric,
I miss you, your smile, your bubbly personality. You always had a way of making people feel better and happy. Our parties are not the same without you. Our lives aren't the same I will always miss you. One day I know we will see each other again. RIP. Your friend Edna

Edna L. Laura
Friend

May 21, 2016

Gone but not forgotten brother

Officer Joe Seinitz
CPD

October 31, 2015

Remembering you always.

Raul R
731

August 19, 2015

I remember talks of you wanting to become a CPD....You served.....GOD BLESS YOU.....

CLAUDE P.
OLDE FRIEND

July 11, 2015

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015