Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The Illinois State Police lives forever, and since you were an Illinois State Trooper YOU will live forever. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

Trooper A.M. Unal
Illinois State Police

April 19, 2020

Sergeant Kugelman, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 1, 2019

Bill and family,
While over three decades have passed, the sacrifice and memory of John will continue to live on in the hearts of all fellow first responders.

'Sgt. Al' (Piantkowski)
(CPD/018 ret)

November 10, 2018

I also finally also got a chance to google officer John and read the story God bless his family and may he always Rest In Peace

Mike Wruck
Curious

October 14, 2018

Today I finally “Googled” John H. Kugelman after driving by the sign so many times and seeing his name, and wondering what had happened. What a brave police officer, and a true hero! It is always a sad moment when I see the sign, and now I can add a sense of heroic duty to this fine, young man. He is a true angel!
Sergeant Kugelman certainly demonstrated heroism and valor in his short time in service. Let it be known that is remembered and missed! Thank you for dedicating the Memorial Interchange to him!

Ms. Jill Kainu
fellow citizen

May 11, 2018

I've passed your sign every day on the way to work and always meant to look it up. Now it hurts knowing. Thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. I wish I could find more to say but words are failing me right now. My only wish was there had been a long, dedicated career at the other end of the sign instead of a tragedy. I'm so sorry John.

Anonymous

April 1, 2018

Glad to see that the state dedicated a portion of I-290 to your service and sacrifice. Think of you a lot. RIP.

3222
Illinois State Police (Retired)

August 10, 2017

Dear John,

For several years now I have been passing your sign on I-290 on my way to work. I've always wanted to know who you were and why your name was on the sign, but I never took the time to find out until now. I wish I had earlier. I'm an Army man myself and I know the commitment to brotherhood and service above self. I know that you know the Warrior Ethos just as well as I do, and I could hear those words echo through my head as I read your story. I wasn't even alive when you squared off with death, but even so, I can see you standing in front of the driver, gun drawn, and never for a moment regretting the path you took or the decision you made. The word "hero" is tossed around a lot in today's time, but, to me, you exemplify it. Thank you for protecting the people, placing our lives above your own, and making the ultimate sacrifice for us. I know I will never forget your story. I don't know if you were a religious man or not, but I want to close my reflection with what I think is one of the most powerful Bible verses:

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Rest easy, Brother.

Anonymous

July 5, 2017

Hi, I wanted to pay my respects because I saw Sgt. Kugelman's name on the highway sign. I decided to investigate why his name was on the sign. Thank you for your service. RIP. My condolences to your family and friends.

Anonymous
Interested Motorist

December 23, 2016

Today in your honor a section of Highway was named after you John. Your proud dad and your siblings were there as were many many officers, friends, relitives and fire personel. I was among them and 30 years ago in attendence at your funeral. You will never be forgotten. God Bless RIP.

Mike McMahon
Ret. CFD and friend of your Dad.

November 10, 2016

Sergeant John Kugleman may God bless you for your ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

You will never be forgotten.

Rest in Peace.
Amen

Angel M. Feliciano Jr.
AT Concepts Inc. (friend of your Dad)

November 10, 2016

To the CPD Det. : The reward is now $20,000 for anyone that gives info in a CPD-LEO shooting. It would be nice to get other police depts. involved so that this can go statewide and even include Fire and Medics.

Bill Kugelman
Father

April 22, 2016

The roadway where John was murdered will be dedicated in his memory as soon as the Legislators pass the bill. It is at I-290 and I-355 intersection. Thanks to the ISP and FOP Lodge 40 ...There will be notification of this and a recognition at the site.

Bill Kugelman
Father

April 22, 2016

John,

I always say hello to you when I visit my Parents at Memory Gardens once a month. It's a short visit I know but I just want you to know that I still remember.

Larry

Larry P
Brother inlaw

September 9, 2015

Hi Johnny,
Thinking of your soo much over the years and your family. I can laugh at times when I thing about what a funny roommate you were in our early twenties for a short time living on Bradford Lane in Schaumburg. Many good times. I think of you every time I hear your favorite song by Pure Prairie League, "Amy". I know how much you wanted to be a cop. It happened my friend, you went State Police and I went with Wheeling. You will never be forgotten! God Bless and thanks for the memories!

Marilyn
Friend of many years

November 10, 2014

My sincere thanks to all that have left a message for My Pal John. [aka Seymour that was my tease name for him]. Have missed him so much. Had a mass for his 27 yrs. of age when murdered and been 27 years since his EOW. What a great feeling to see his friends there. God Bless you Pal. Love Ya always and ever. Dad.
PS, You would love our new pal Kate too.

Kugie Sr.
Dad

May 27, 2014

God Bless your soul always, and thanks again for the many times you backed me up on the road, you were indeed a good Trooper and friend !!!!

ex Trooper 2994
ISP

July 13, 2013

Happy Belated 54th B'Day Seymour !!!!!! And that's from me and your Family...... Miss Ya every day Pal. Ask your Boss there to keep me in His graces and thoughts.
And BTW; Your murderer is never forgotten either..............

Bill Kugelman
Dad

July 4, 2013

John,

I never knew you but I'm one of your brothers in brown. You are not forgotten. I never thought I'd know someone to pass in the line of duty but last week my pal was taken from us in a crash on I-294. I'm stopping by the ISP memorials on here just to let all of you that have gone before us know, you are not forgotten. Rest easy brother, God bless.

Trooper
Illinois State Police D15

April 5, 2013

John,

Me and a couple of the guys at the Addison Fire Department just got to know you. We met on a call and convinced you to stop at the firehouse whenever in the area, which you did on a few occasions. I remember becoming saddened and shaken upon hearing what happened. Although our friendship was short you left a lasting impression. Peace brother, until one day we meet again!

Lt. Ron Murray
Addison Fiire Protection District

January 9, 2013

Rest in Peace, Trooper Kugelman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 5, 2012

Hey John-I was at the IL Police Memorial again this year. Saw your name and just wanted to let you know YOU will never be forgotten. I was wearing my police memorial bracelet with your name on it and location of your name on in Washington on the WALL. Your a true HERO...brother in blue.

Patrolman D. Kirk #8270
Bull Valley (IL) PD

May 20, 2012

I did not know John or his family, but recently I discovered that he was my Third cousin.

I am saddened to know that there are such heinous people in the world who would take loved ones away without any remorse.

I will pray for the family.

Annette Moreau
Third Cousin

April 25, 2012

Sorry so late getting back to you. My Special Sister Sharon just passed away. Johns favorite.
Johns resting place of honor is Memory Gardens Cemetery in Arlington Heights at Euclid just west of Rand Rd. and he is in the mostly Military section near the south side of area.
Thanks for the memory and stay safe in retirement.

Bill Kugelman
Father

March 10, 2012

Bill,
John was one of my FTO's way back when...Now retired after the magic 26.8 years...I would like to stop by John's place of honor sometime...Can you let me where it is at? Just want to say Thanks to him...

M/Sgt KW Sachtleben
ISP

February 12, 2012