In a tragic turn of events, a Glenview police officer lost his life in a two-vehicle crash while on his way to work in Barrington early Sunday morning. The collision occurred just after 4 a.m. in the 200 block of South Northwest Highway, getting confirmed by Barrington police and the Glenview Police Department, as noted in reports from ABC7 Chicago and Chicago Sun-Times.
Robert Fryc, the 43-year-old officer, had a career with the Glenview Police Department beginning in 2007, spanning nearly two decades. While the village recently recognized his heroism for assisting in the rescue of a fellow officer last summer, today his service's memory became overshadowed by the untimely news of his death. According to a statement by the Glenview Police Chief William Fitzpatrick, "Officer Fryc was more than just a colleague. He was a part of our family and a part of this community." Fitzpatrick's words resonated with loss and the collective grief of an entire department mourning one of their own.
The outpouring of grief extended to Glenview's Village President Michael Jenny, who said, "We are devastated by the tragic loss of Officer Fryc, who just two weeks ago we recognized for his service and dedication to Glenview." Flags were lowered to half-staff outside the Glenview Police Department in a somber tribute, reported ABC7 Chicago. The village and the department made a joint call for privacy and respect for Fryc's family and colleagues through this difficult time.
In the aftermath of the incident, day shift officers mourning their colleague were sent home. Coverage for their absences was managed by Cook County deputies and officers from surrounding areas, as was revealed in the statement where Fitzpatrick expressed his broken heart at the loss of Fryc. A planned community gathering to honor the officer's service will be arranged when the time is deemed appropriate, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. The Barrington Police Department and the Major Crash Assistance Team of Lake County continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
