ABOUT TYLER

On December 29th, 2021 Tyler Bailey sustained a gunshot wound in the line of duty. He is currently stable in a rehab facility in the Chicagoland area, where he sees small victories every day. He is no longer fighting for his life but instead fighting to get his life back.

 

Tyler is a husband, son, brother, dog dad, and friend. The list goes on and on. What many close individuals to him know is that Tyler has always wanted to be a police officer. Growing up in a neighborhood of kids his age, they always played “what do you want to be when you grow up,” and without fail, Tyler was a police officer every single time. He then followed the day-to-day aspirations as a tiny police officer, with dressing up as a police officer every single Halloween. It was in Tyler’s heart and soul that he knew what his purpose was in life. He was made to serve and protect. Tyler’s identity as a police officer is that of a confident and knowledgeable man with empathy for others in need.

 

His identity however goes far beyond a police officer. Tyler is a son to Darin Bailey and Danielle Hess. He is a brother to Zachary, Linsey, Brayden, Dylan, and Ethyn. He is a grandson, nephew, and cousin to a very loving family. But what people would say is Tyler’s strongest suit, is his ability to be a quality, loyal friend. With his friends, he is an avid fisherman, hunter, White Sox enthusiast, and NASCAR fan. While most of the community sees Tyler as a public servant, he is far more than that.

 

Tyler made his start into his career in the summer of 2016, when he graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.

 

After attending college, Tyler went on to start his police career. He began attending a part-time police academy on the weekend while working as a security officer. Shortly after, he began as a part-time officer at the Momence Police Department. As he transitioned to a full-time officer, he attended the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy. After graduating from the police academy, he moved his career to the Bradley Police Department, where he is currently employed now. 

 

After making this transition to a new department, Tyler bought a house in Bradley with his fiance Sydney. They then got married in October of 2021 and continue to live in the Bradley area, with their dog Tucker.

 

Tyler’s amazing outlook on life and forever optimistic personality is pushing him through this recovery. His amazing moral and ethic compass is what has sprouted so much of the community’s support that is behind him and has truly shown through the words of the people whose hearts he has touched, every single day.

 

Tyler's recovery is going to be a long journey, but we are so incredibly thankful for the outpouring of love and support from our family, friends, coworkers, and community. We are eternally grateful for everything that everyone has done for us and continues to do for us each and every day.