CHICAGO (AP) – Charles Joseph Gliniewicz was on the brink of retiring after a 30-year-career in law enforcement. At 52, the tall, tattooed police officer with a shaved head could still be tough and intimidating if the job called for it.
But he also had a sweet side that endeared him to the suburban Chicago village he had served for decades, a place where he was a constant presence at community events and a role model. Now the people of Fox Lake are mourning the officer known affectionately as “G.I. Joe” after he detoured on his way to work to pursue three suspicious men. He ended up with a fatal gunshot wound and died Tuesday.
“Every morning he said he was vertical and caffeinated,” recalled Mayor Donny Schmit, a close friend for three decades.
Another longtime friend, Tammy Rivette, wiped away tears as she remembered the father of four who was “always helping people” and “always fair.”
“Even the criminals liked him,” she said.