Arlington Heights Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Sunday, July 18, 1976
Add to My HeroesAlan 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 37 ReflectionsAl, I think of you often and when training new officers I always talked about you and the sacrifice you made. I vividly remember the dispatcher calling your call sign and you not answering. I remember thinking you must be very busy not to answer. But after a few moments I feared the worst. Take care of all the guys we worked with have passed on due to illness. I feel you made me a better police officer by knowing you.
Mike McIntyre, Sergeant(retired)
Arlington Heights Police Department
June 5, 2019
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