George Teddy Bryja served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 3 years and 11 months. George served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Patrolman George T. Bryja collapsed and died of a heart attack after a foot pursuit in the 6600 block of South Campbell Avenue. He was off duty when he was awakened at 3:00 a.m. by the sound of the burglar alarm on the family car. His wife set the alarm off when she drove up to the house and saw two men trying to set a neighbor's garage on fire after spray-painting it with graffiti. Patrolman Bryja and his 18-year-old son chased the vandals through an alley for four blocks before losing them. When he returned home, he was sweating profusely, complained of chest pains, and collapsed. He was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4:51 a.m. Patrolman Bryja was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Chicago Police Department for 20 years. He was assigned to the Morgan Park District. His wife, daughter, and son survive him. His son followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Chicago Police Department.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Bryja gave the Chicago Police Department 20 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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