Earlier this year, videos of police departments across the country putting on their best lip-syncing faces began to surface on the internet. The craze, dubbed the #lipsyncchallenge, showed the lighter side of policing as officers provided entertaining visuals set to some of their favorite tunes.
The Park Forest Police Department’s take on the lip sync challenge, in a new video released today, puts a triumphant twist on the three and a half minute performance of police department staff.
Park Forest Police Officer Tim Jones, shot while in the line of duty exactly two and a half years ago, on March 19, 2016, shines in his lip-syncing debut as his police department family flash a little talent of their own.
Jones’ spirit is summed up to many in the Park Forest community through the #TimStrong hashtag that gained popularity after his improbable survival following the shooting that nearly claimed his life. The impact of two gunshots to the head, fired by a suspect Jones was attempting to arrest, resulted in a grave initial prognosis for the then 24-year-old rookie cop. Doctors suggested in the hours that followed that Jones’ chances of survival were slim.
Miraculously, not only did Jones survive, he has gone on to make improvements few felt were ever possible, including the ability regain his ability to speak. Jones showcases the strides he’s made in his cameo, repeatedly flashing his bright smile and occasionally taking on a lead role. His police family dance around him in the video and provide assistance by lip syncing some lyrics themselves.
Initially, the Park Forest Police Department decided not to take part in the lip sync challenge. Though having a large social media presence, it was felt that without something new to offer in the challenge, time and energy would be best spent elsewhere. But when the idea arose of making the challenge a celebration of Jones and his improbable recovery, the Police Department went full speed ahead.
“If we were going to do a lip sync challenge video, we weren’t going to do it without Tim,” Chief Mannino said. With full support of Jones’ family, he made the trip to the Park Forest Police Department for the one-day of filming that included him.
Jones continues to recover from his 2016 injuries. His journey and fight have served as an inspiration to the many who hear his story while the Park Forest community continues to support their local hero.
The Park Forest Police Department thanks Tim Jones and his family along with Park Forest Communications Director Jason Miller for their involvement in the video's production.
Filming was done on July 31, 2018. View the video below:
Park Forest Police Lip Sync Challenge from ParkForestIL on Vimeo.