Police officers from across the country, including New York and California, arrived in Illinois to give a final salute to Fox Lake Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, who was gunned down last week.
“He’s one of our fellow brothers,” officer Nate Troyer from Peoria, told the Chicago Tribune.
The 52-year-old, who was known as “G.I. Joe,” had served in the Army and was a police officer for more than 30 years. He was married and had four sons.
Sidewalks and front yards were adorned with prayers and messages for the Gliniewicz family as flags flew at half-staff.
Thousands of mourners attended the funeral service. Former Fox Lake police Chief Michael Behan read “The Policeman’s Prayer.” Gliniewicz’s brother, Michael, described him as “reasonable, fair, and just," according to the Tribune.
“When we were growing up, we all knew he was a hero,” Michael Gliniewicz said during the service. “But now the nation knows he is a hero. We are Gliniewicz strong. I love you, brother. You will always be a part of my life.”
Gliniewixz died last Tuesday when he was shot by three men he was pursuing by foot. The police investigation continued through Labor Day weekend, but the three suspects have yet to be detained.
