Fox Lake reacts to revelations about police Lt. Joseph Gliniewicz's death, life

FOX LAKE – Blue banners and signs declaring Fox Lake Police Lt. Joseph Gliniewicz a hero still clung to street signs and buildings around Fox Lake on Wednesday, but around town a new sense of sadness and betrayal began to spread.

Residents were reeling from the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force investigators' announcement that Gliniewicz had staged his suicide Sept. 1 after embezzling money from the Fox Lake Police Explorer Post 300 he led for years.

"I did have a lot of sympathy for the man," Fox Lake resident Mark Dakis said while taking a break from riding his motorcycle. "But everyone's got their alternative ego, and his alternative ego came out today. The truth always comes out."

DipStick Oil Change owner Mike Drews thought about the three men that Gliniewicz had identified in one of his final radio calls.

The morning of Sept. 1, police swarmed the area around Drews' shop – less than a half-mile from the crime scene at 128 Honing Road – looking for two white men and one black man police believed could have been involved in the shooting.

Major Crimes Task Force Cmdr. George Filenko said Wednesday it's possible Gliniewicz drove by the three men on his way to the place where he committed suicide. Filenko said after seeing the men on nearby video, they questioned them before learning the men had alibis.

"To take those guys on a ride to make them look like they were involved," Drews said behind the counter of his shop, "You go from a semi-crooked police officer to just a bad person. Something really bad could have happened to those guys."

In a written statement, Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit praised Lake County investigators for their efforts, and said Fox Lake officials have fully cooperated in the probe and will continue to do so. He also acknowledged the difficult two months Fox Lake residents have been through.

"But during this time, as our community's elected and appointed leaders, we must lead and we must show that we are united in our goal to get at the truth, wherever it may lead," Schmit said.

He asked that residents be patient as the investigation continues and expressed sorrow over the loss of Gliniewicz, whom he considered a friend.

"On a [personal] note, I lost a friend. While this friend may not have been perfect, he was still a friend. In the past 30 years, he has been part of our village and helped many of our youth. So while he had some flaws, he also did a lot of good," Schmit wrote.

Some law enforcement officials Tuesday braced for the potential fallout the investigation could have on police relations. Cary Police Chief Patrick Finlon said he hopes the community will realize Gliniewicz's actions don't speak for most police officers or agencies.

"In some degree, there are people who are predisposed to not trust law enforcement," Finlon said. "This gives them another reason to enforce that. What I would hope is [Gliniewicz's suicide is] not viewed as all law enforcement in general. It's only one person – this is their behavior and not focus on their profession."

Back in Fox Lake at the Whistle Stop Cafe, Fox Lake residents Sharon Floer and Vivian Klitzka agreed that some trust had been lost in the community, but they differed on how much of Wednesday's announcement they believed.

"He just deceived us, that's all," Klitzka said.

Floer, meanwhile, said she didn't believe the allegations against Gliniewicz. She said similar disagreements could divide the village.

Like Floer, Fox Lake resident Leslie Bathery said she didn't believe allegations that Gliniewicz was taking explorer money for his own gain. She said she had spoken with Gliniewicz at a few events for the Fox Lake Chamber of Commerce, and she saw the 30-year police veteran as an inspiration to the community.

She expressed sympathy for the family and for his legacy.

"I feel very sad," Bathery said. "I feel very sad that this man was a hero one day, and now is a scumbag the second day."

• Staff reporter Chelsea McDougall contributed to this story.