Illinois town mourns officer as manhunt for killers continues
Hundreds of police officers from across the USA were among a throng of mourners who packed a funeral Monday for the officer known as "G.I. Joe," whose mysterious shooting death shocked a quiet Chicago suburb and the nation.
The service for Fox Lake Police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz, 52, was punctuated by humor and tears. Gliniewicz was awarded his department's Medal of Honor, and the married father of four boys was remembered as a man dedicated to his family, his job — and coffee. He was universally described as a hero.
"He was reasonable, fair and just," his brother Michael told the crowd. "My brother served every day, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. ... When we were growing up, we all knew Joe was a hero. Now the nation knows he's a hero."
Joliet police officer Rachel Smithberg started an Explorer group for kids interested in law enforcement. She was mentored by officer Gliniewicz, who led the Explorer team in Fox Lake.
"He was the kind of man that, in the face of danger, would run toward it while others would run away," Smithberg said. "His dedication was unshakable and his courage was unwavering."
The service was held at Antioch Community High School, Gliniewicz's alma mater just a few miles from Fox Lake. The funeral procession was designed to roll through Antioch and Fox Lake, past the many schools Gliniewicz and his four sons attended and where he often worked with the Explorers program.
Gov. Bruce Rauner was among thousands who paid their respects at a viewing that preceded the service.
Gliniewicz had been an officer for more than 30 years and was within weeks of retirement when he was killed in a desolate, industrial section of Fox Lake on Sept. 1. Gliniewicz had just radioed dispatchers that he had spotted suspicious men, describing them only as two white men and a black man, before his radio cut out.
A feverish manhunt failed to produce any arrests or identify the suspects. Authorities viewed surveillance video from several homes and businesses and said they hoped to develop clues that will lead them to the killers.
"He was a good man," mourner Olaf Cook told the local Daily Herald after leaving the viewing. "I can't thank him enough for all he's done."
"He will forever be a hero in our hearts," Michele Torkilsen told the paper.
Scott Pierce was among the many volunteers placing ribbons on trees along the funeral procession route.
“He lived here,” Pierce told WGN-TV. “His kids went to school here. He worked in Fox Lake but he was part of our community, too. I think it's important for Antioch to show how important he was and how important our police officers are.”