Haymaker was a very active member at Bethel Community (Evangelical Free) Church. He had attended Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical University.

The Chicago police officer killed in a car crash Monday as he was answering a call of a burglary in progress will be remembered and mourned this morning by fellow officers as they put up black bunting at the Town Hall District headquarters where he was stationed.

Haymaker joined the department in late 1988, making a sharp career change from his work as an associate pastor at a Northwest Side evangelical church. He had attended Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical University.

On the force, Haymaker found a community of like-minded officers who met regularly to share their faith. At these meetings, the danger they all faced would often come up, but Haymaker truly believed God had put him exactly where he belonged, said Albany Park District Cmdr. Mike Mealer, president of the Chicago Chapter of Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers.

“Al never hid his faith from anyone,” said Mealer, a close friend. “He tried to make sure he was the best Christian witness he could be with the job he had.”

Haymaker was a very active member at Bethel Community Church at 7601 W. Foster Ave. and was heavily involved with the church’s youth ministry, said Pastor Paul Jorden, adding that Haymaker “had a servant’s heart.” He was also an avid guitar player who loved classic rock.

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