The Chicago Police Department celebrated the centennial of its Honored Star Case, a memorial at headquarters with the badges of 477 Chicago officers killed in the line of duty.

The department has been adding the names and star badges of fallen officers to the public memorial for 100 years.

"We owe much to those who went before us, helping make the Chicago Police Department the fine law enforcement agency that it is today," said Superintendent Jody P. Weis. "I encourage everyone who enters Chicago Police Headquarters to take a moment and read the narrative behind our fallen brothers and sisters, and appreciate the sacrifices made over the years."

When the memorial was first dedicated on Oct. 14, 1910, the stars of 12 Chicago officers were places in the Honored Star Case by Chief (later superintendent) Leroy T. Steward. At the time, the stars were displayed in Steward's City Hall office.

A new Honored Star Case was constructed in the lobby of Chicago Police Headquarters at 11th and State streets in 1975, so the public could appreciate the sacrifices made by Chicago officers.

When Chicago Police Headquarters was rebuilt at 35th and Michigan in 2000, the Honored Star Case was designed to include interactive computer screens that visitors could use to access pictures and stories of the fallen officers. Additionally, silver nameplates beneath each honored star were added with a written description of each officer's sacrifice.

At the Thursday ceremony, Superintendent Weis was joined at the glass encasement by members of the Chicago Police Gold Star Families, Chicago Police Chaplains Unit, and Chicago Police History Committee. The participation of the Chicago Police Pipes and Drums and Honor Guard added to the event's reverence for fallen Chicago Police officers.