Police Officer Alan J. Vargo, Arlington Heights Police Department, Illinois

Police Officer Alan J. Vargo

Arlington Heights Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Sunday, July 18, 1976

Alan J. Vargo

Police Officer Alan Vargo was struck and killed by a drunken driver while directing traffic at the scene of an accident.

At 2:00 am, Officer Vargo was directing traffic at Arlington Heights Road and Olive Street when a drunken driver dodged a police blockade, struck Officer Vargo and dragged him 40 feet before stopping. Officer Vargo was transported to Northwest Community Hospital where he died a few hours later.

The offender later pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and served two years probation. In 1982, he was arrested for drunken driving.

Officer Vargo had served with the Arlington Heights Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife, mother, brothers and sisters.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 2 years
Badge 162

Incident Details

Cause Vehicular assault
Weapon Automobile; Alcohol involved
Offender Probation served

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Most Recent Reflection

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Al,
It seem that I always get busy this time of year but I finally got around to posting my remembrance. I had been on Wilmette, IL PD for 2 years at the time of your death. My Dad, (a Winnetka, IL police officer) called me early in the morning when he started his shift to tell me what happened to you. I was in disbelief as this was my first personal experience with a line of duty death. Unfortunately, little would I know that this would be the first of many more over the course of my 44 plus year career in law enforcement.

I remember thinking about our friendship after I hung up from that fateful call. We worked together for a few years at a local grocery store when in high school. I recall driving around with you and you talked about how cool it would be to be a cop. We both followed those dreams a few years later. I still wonder to this day, why you Al, and not me or another officer? I guess some questions can never be answered.

I have devoted my career to you in some ways based on your untimely passing. I promised that I would always do my best to serve others in you honor. Well I am now 65 years old and still doing just that. This past June, I was named the new permanent Chief of the Albuquerque, New Mexico Police Department. It's a long way and a long time from my days as a 21 year old rookie in Wilmette but I have never lost my passion for the job. The same passion we both shared early in our careers.

Rest in peace, my friend. You will never be forgotten and your sacrifice will not go unnoticed. Take care Al, until we meet again.

Chief Mike Geier
Albuquerque, NM Police Department

July 23, 2018