“Thor was the kindest, most giving person you could imagine meeting in this modern age. He was always looking for ways to help others, and never expected anything in return. He just valued people, and kindness, and spreading good energy in the world. He thought it was so easy and made such a big difference.”
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On July 7, 2010, Officer Thor Soderberg was shot and killed in an apparent robbery attempt at about 3:45 pm near 61st Street and Racine Avenue.
Officer Soderberg was returning to his vehicle at the end of his shift when he struggled with a male subject who approached from behind and was able to gain control of his service weapon, fatally shooting him in the face, head and back. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the former Englewood District station used by the Targeted Response Unit.
The suspect, a convicted felon, then fled and attempted to commit an armed robbery nearby. Other officers inside the police facility responded and exchanged gunfire with the 24-year-old man, critically wounding him. He has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and armed robbery.
Officer Soderberg had served with the Chicago Police Department for nearly 11 years and was an instructor in the Education and Training Division. He was a US Army veteran. Officer Soderberg was survived by his wife, four siblings and parents.
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Every July 7th, his widow, Jennifer, asks us to bring the spirit of service alive again by Paying it Forward. Please consider committing a random act of kindness in his memory.
Because he should never be forgotten.
To share your random acts of kindness, visit Tell Us How You Paid It Forward.
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The Thor Soderberg Fund, established by his wife, connects urban youth with nature.
Thor believed that a connection to nature could be a transformative, calming force; he believed the peace found in nature could be a healing balm to the chaotic and often traumatic lives too many youths face in Chicago.
A donation to the Thor Soderberg fund helps us build urban gardens, send kids away to camp [no streetlights! No phones!] and work with schools and nonprofits to help build other natural connections.
You can support the Thor Soderberg Fund by buying a T-shirt or donating directly at The Thor Soderberg Fund.