Glenview police officer dies in Barrington crash while driving to work, officials say

GLENVIEW, Ill. (WLS) -- A Glenview police officer died in a Barrington crash while driving to work early Sunday morning, officials said.

Barrington police said officers responded to the two-vehicle crash just after 4 a.m. in the 200 block of South Northwest Highway.

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Glenview police confirmed that 43-year-old Officer Robert Fryc died in the crash. Authorities did not immediately say what led up to the crash or whether anyone else was injured.

Police said Fryc, who had been with the department since 2007, was recently recognized at the village's Feb. 4 board of trustees meeting for being one of the first responders who helped save the life of a fellow officer last summer. Now the village is preparing to honor his legacy and life taken too soon.

"Officer Fryc was more than just a colleague," Glenview Police Chief William Fitzpatrick said. "He was a part of our family and a part of this community. Our hearts are broken by his passing, and our priority now is to support his loved ones and our department as we grieve this unimaginable loss together."

Flags at half-staff Sunday outside the Glenview Police Department as the village mourns the loss of a man who dedicated his career to serving and protecting the community.

The Glenview Police Department has sent home many of the dayshift officers who work with Fryc, and Cook County and neighboring communities are helping to cover.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of Officer Fryc, who just two weeks ago we recognized for his service and dedication to Glenview," Glenview Village President Michael Jenny said. "On behalf of the entire Village, I extend our deepest condolences to Officer Fryc's family, friends and fellow officers. When the time is right, we will come together as a community to honor and remember his service.

The Barrington Police Department and the Major Crash Assistance Team of Lake County are investigating the crash.

The village and police department asked for privacy and respect for Fryc's family and colleagues.