Earlier this year, tragedy struck the village of Glenview when veteran police officer Robert Fryc lost his life in a devastating crash on his way to work. Now, seven months later, the sorrow still lingers as his family, fellow officers, and neighbors continue to celebrate the life of a man they called a brother.
A Morning Cut Short
On February 16, 43-year-old Officer Fryc was driving through Barrington when another car veered into his lane, striking him in a near head-on collision. Investigators say the other driver, 23-year-old Christopher Lopez, admitted to drinking that night. While his blood alcohol level tested below the legal threshold, police discovered open tequila, cannabis residue, and evidence that he had been speeding without braking before impact.
Lopez has since been charged with reckless homicide and remains behind bars awaiting trial.
Shockwaves Through Glenview
The news of Fryc’s death sent ripples through the Glenview Police Department, where he had served with distinction since 2007. Just weeks before the crash, Fryc had been recognized for his commitment to the community.
“Officer Fryc was more than just a colleague — he was family,” Police Chief William Fitzpatrick said at the time. “Our hearts are broken.”
Village President Michael Jenny also described his passing as “a devastating loss.”
A Farewell of Honor
On February 21, friends, family, and fellow officers gathered at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church in Arlington Heights for Fryc’s funeral. Despite the bitter cold, residents lined the streets, blue ribbons tied to trees, and an American flag flown at half-staff as his casket, draped in the Stars and Stripes, was carried inside.
Dozens of law enforcement officers from across the region stood in solidarity with Fryc’s loved ones. “If he was backing you up, you knew you’d be safe,” recalled Officer Gene Harlow, who trained alongside him at the academy.
After the service, a solemn procession escorted Fryc to St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine, where he was laid to rest with full honors.
A Legacy of Service
Colleagues remember Fryc as steady, knowledgeable, and calm under pressure — a man who embodied the very spirit of public service.
He leaves behind not only a grieving police department, but also a community still struggling to accept the sudden loss of someone who spent nearly two decades protecting them.
As the trial of the accused moves forward, Glenview’s focus remains on preserving the memory of Officer Robert Fryc: a dependable, selfless, and deeply loved protector whose impact will endure.
