A Badge Holder, A Bond: Brian Luce’s Tribute to His Father on the One Chicago Podcast

How a Simple Keepsake Became a Symbol of Legacy and Love in Chicago PD

Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) Courtesy NBC

There are moments in storytelling that transcend entertainment—they touch something deeper within us, reminding us of our own connections, histories, and hearts. This week’s episode of the One Chicago podcast delivered just that, as Brian Luce shared a powerful and intimate story about his late father’s badge holder. Listening in, I felt the magnitude of love, pride, and legacy that infused every word Brian spoke, and I was moved by the profound significance behind this humble object.

The Badge Holder’s Journey: Honoring a Father’s Memory

Brian Luce’s story began with a simple yet heartfelt wish: to keep his father’s spirit alive on the set of Chicago PD. His dad’s badge holder, worn during a lifetime dedicated to law enforcement—including 22 years of service on the police force—wasn’t just a piece of leather—it was a tangible link to a man who embodied integrity and courage. Brian himself followed in those footsteps, serving 27 years in law enforcement. After his father passed away, Brian began wearing the badge holder at work as a personal tribute.

However, once he joined the set of Chicago PD, he was no longer able to continue this tradition.

But the badge holder’s journey didn’t end there. Brian saw in the character Alvin Olinsky—the grizzled detective played by Elias Koteas—the same qualities he admired in his dad: steadfast loyalty, a sense of duty, and an unwavering devotion to family. So, when Olinsky came on board, Brian passed the badge holder to him, feeling that his father would have recognized a kindred spirit in Olinsky.

Symbolic Legacy: A Keepsake that Connects Generations

When Olinsky’s time on Chicago PD came to a close, the badge holder’s significance grew even stronger. Jason Beghe, who plays Hank Voight, approached Brian with a touching offer: he would wear the badge holder himself, ensuring that Brian’s father would remain present—not just in spirit, but in every scene that called for courage and resilience. To this day, whenever viewers spot the badge holder on the show, it stands as a silent tribute to a true hero and the enduring bond between a father and son.

This gesture extends beyond props and performances. It’s a living legacy, one that honors all those who serve with integrity and heart. Through this badge holder, Brian Luce’s father continues to protect, inspire, and guide those who carry it, both on-screen and off.

A Tribute to Law Enforcement, Family, and Heroism

Brian’s story is more than a behind-the-scenes anecdote—it’s a testament to the values that shape our lives: family, pride, and the memories we hold close. In sharing his father’s badge holder with the characters and actors of Chicago PD, Brian pays homage to every officer who places duty above self, and every son who wishes to make his father proud.

“A father’s legacy isn’t measured by what he leaves behind, but by the love and values he passes on to his children.”

If you’re a fan of One Chicago or simply cherish stories that celebrate humanity, I encourage you to listen to the podcast and experience moments like Brian’s firsthand. These episodes go beyond the screen, weaving real-life emotion and connection into every story. The next time you notice that badge holder on Chicago PD, let it remind you of courage, family, and the enduring ties that bind us all.

While this blog post shares a glimpse of Brian’s journey and the legacy of his father’s badge holder, words on a page can only capture so much. The true depth and emotion of this story come alive in the podcast, where you can hear Brian’s voice and feel the meaning behind every moment. I highly encourage you to listen and immerse yourself in the full experience—because some stories need to be felt, not just read.

Thank you, Brian Luce, for sharing your journey. Thank you to the One Chicago team for reminding us that true heroism lies not only in the stories we tell, but in the legacy we carry with us.