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Charges withdrawn, but Chicago FOP President Cantanzara agrees to voluntary leave of absence as First VP of Illinois State Lodge during probe

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* Letter from Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois State Lodge President Chris Southwood to Chicago FOP Lodge 7 President John Cantanzara…

Dear Brother Cantanzara,

At the State Lodge Board meeting held on September 25, 2025, you were served with charges filed by State Lodge Secretary Donald “Ike” Hackett. Following discussion, and in the best interests of the Order, you have requested and agreed to take a voluntary leave of absence from your office and duties as First Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois State Lodge. This leave shall continue until the resolution of any ongoing investigations of alleged misconduct by outside law enforcement authorities.

In light of your voluntary leave of absence, Secretary Hackett has withdrawn his charges against you without prejudice, meaning they may be refiled at a later date should circumstances warrant.

On behalf of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, I wish to thank you for taking this step. Your decision reflects a commitment to the unity of our Order, the integrity of our processes, and the trust of our membership during this challenging period.

We look forward to a timely resolution of these matters and remain united in our shared mission of service to our members and the law enforcement profession.

Fraternally,

Chris Southwood
President
Fraternal Order of Police, Illinois State Lodge

Odd.

I tried to reach Southwood earlier this afternoon without success.

“People don’t attack others at the bottom of a mountain,” Catanzara philosophized when I contacted him this afternoon.

“My conscience is clear,” Catanzara added.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 26, 25 @ 4:23 pm

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