CHICAGO — With the skyline behind them and the open water ahead, dozens of Chicago first responders cast their lines into Lake Michigan early Tuesday morning—not just in search of fish, but for a moment of calm.
The inaugural First Responder Mental Health Wellness Angling Tournament launched just before 6 a.m. from the city’s lakefront, bringing together officers, firefighters, and volunteers for a day focused on healing, camaraderie, and stress relief.
Organized by Chicago Police Officer and Charter Boat Captain Ernesto Babilonia, the event was designed to create a mental break for those who regularly face trauma and pressure in their day-to-day jobs.
“The idea is to expose officers who may be experiencing some kind of mental wellness issues and come out and relieve that stress,” said Babilonia, who spearheaded the event.
A Day to ‘Turn Down the Noise’
Before heading out to fish, participants observed a moment of silence and joined in a prayer, honoring the fallen and reflecting on the mental toll of service work. With that, the tournament began.
For many attendees, the event provided a rare opportunity to step away from the emotional weight of their roles.
Carlos Yanez, a Chicago officer who survived a 2021 shooting that took the life of his partner Ella French, said time on the water brings temporary peace.
“When you’re out there fishing, you kind of forget about the problems back in the city,” Yanez said in an interview with WGN News. “It’s so peaceful, so calm… You really don’t forget, but it does help.”
Stories of Loss and Healing
The emotional depth of the event ran deep. Julian Jimenez, the son of Officer Samuel Jimenez who was killed responding to a 2018 shooting at Mercy Hospital, shared how continuing to make his father proud has helped him push through.
“The only reason why I’ve been able to push through is because I always thought I could make him proud,” he said.
Even Officer Krystal Rivera’s partner, who accidentally shot her during a tragic encounter last week, was encouraged by fellow officers to attend. Though the tournament had been scheduled months prior, his peers believed it was the right time for him to begin confronting his emotional trauma in a supportive setting.
Unity, Support, and Bragging Rights
Professional and amateur captains volunteered their time and boats. Capt. Rob Civinelli of the Bela Gina Charter said there was “no hesitation” when he was invited to help.
“There was no back-and-forth at all. When he asked me, I said, ‘Absolutely,’” Civinelli said.
At the end of the six-hour excursion, fish sizes were compared and bragging rights exchanged. But the real value of the tournament was summed up by Babilonia:
“We develop relationships. We care for each other. We love each other.”
The event was sponsored by the Chicago Police Foundation, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, each contributing to ensure the officers and firefighters had access to a restorative, supportive space.
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