Hugs, heartfelt words, and an HMC

LCC shares heart and cross with Illinois family and community
​remembering a safety officer who died protecting students.

Hugs were exchanged, words of encouragement were offered, and a Heart of Mercy & Compassion was signed—but it was clear that Orlando Rivas' name had already been written on the hearts of so many.

Last night in Wheeling, IL, family, friends, students, coworkers, and neighbors gathered to celebrate the life of the 52-year-old Buffalo Grove High School safety officer, who lost his life in May trying to protect students during afternoon dismissal. 

One truth became impossible to miss: a community wasn't simply mourning a tragic loss—it was honoring a man who had quietly and faithfully changed lives. Every story shared revealed another glimpse of Orlando's character, his kindness, and his gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Lutheran Church Charities was humbled to present Orlando's family with a Heart of Mercy & Compassion filled with messages of love and support and white cross to hold the heart.

“We pray that this HMC will serve as a lasting reminder that the love Orlando so freely shared continues to live on in the lives of those who knew him, and that God's mercy and comfort will surround his family in the days ahead,” said LCC President/CEO Rev. Chris Singer, who attended the remembrance with other LCC staff members.

The gathering, called  “A Night Remembering Orlando Rivas,” was organized by School District 214, Ala Carte Entertainment, Finn McCool’s Irish Sports Pub, Moretti’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, and the Chicago White Sox. The evening brought together family, friends, community leaders, and special guests, including ESPN host David Kaplan, Chicago White Sox executive Howard Pizer, and former White Sox player Ron Kittle.

During the evening, Rivas's father shared that he cherished the simple things his son did and remarked that Orlando "was a beautiful boy."

Rivas's brother added:  “Our parents raised us Love faith and every opportunity they could. I don’t just miss my brother I miss my other half."

Back in May, as the school year concluded, Buffalo Grove students, teachers, and administrators mourned Rivas as a hero. 

LCC sent six LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs from Illinois and Wisconsin to visit the school three days in early May to uplift the heartbroken campus community and join them in their grief at his unexpected passing.

As one handler shared, “Orlando showed sacrificial love for students in choosing this position in retirement and selflessness in his heroic final minutes.”

Rivas was a father of four who leaves behind a family and extended family acknowledging his loss as a “big blow.” He had taken the job to support his family and allow his wife Erin to stay home with children. 

The school has hurt too. In a letter to parents, Principal Jeff Wardle said that “Several staff and students witnessed this serious accident. Traumatic events like this can be upsetting to hear about.”

He reached out to LCC for some canine care, and teams from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin agreed to come multiple days and greet students and staff in the library and common spaces in the school. Among them were Abednego (Immanuel – Crystal Lake, IL), Bethesda (St. Matthew – Hawthorn Woods, IL), Gethsemane (Lord of Glory – Grayslake, IL), Mary (St. Paul – Janesville, WI), Samson (Zion – Marengo, IL), and Shadrach (Prince of Peace – Palatine, IL).