"Shots fired, squad, shots fired at the police and by the police, squad," an officer radioed from the scene. "Squad, we're on Polk, Polk and Arthington."



Seconds later, an officer breathing heavily radioed, "I think I have an officer shot squad, officer shot."



The transmission is followed immediately with, "We need an ambulance, offender's down, weapon's recovered, I have possibly two officers shot."



A few minutes later, the dispatcher is told three officers have been shot.



State police shut down the Eisenhower Expressway east from Independence Boulevard as the officers were taken to Stroger. Damen Avenue also was closed to clear the way for ambulances just as the United Center was emptying of Blackhawks fans.



A young officer on the street made the sign of the cross as ambulance No. 23, the second to arrive, passed over the bridge on Damen and pulled into the bay at Stroger.



Dozens of officers stood under the awning of emergency bay No. 3 as the first ambulance was unloaded. The officer was in uniform and sitting up, talking to the people who were carrying him. Every few minutes, sirens would pierce the otherwise quiet area.



Each ambulance arrived at Stroger to a few dozen officers waiting at the door to the emergency room. When the third ambulance was unloaded, officers stood for a moment before fanning out and clearing the parking lot of those watching.



Escalante said Mayor Rahm Emanuel visited the officers Monday night.



"The mayor was here as well and he also spoke to all three officers as well as their families," Escalante said. "I want to thank Chicago Fire Department paramedics for their quick response in getting our officers here safely, as well as a thanks to the state police for helping as the ambulances went down the Eisenhower Expressway. Again, a thanks to the staff here at County Hospital for taking care of our injured officers."



Emanuel released a statement, saying that "every day (officers) put themselves in danger so the rest of us can be safe."



"Tonight we were reminded of the dangers that our police face, and the bravery that they routinely display as three of our officers were shot in line of duty," Emanuel said in the statement. "The thoughts and prayers of our entire city are with the officers and their families during this difficult time."