Off-Duty Police Commander Dies Of Heart Attack
CHICAGO (STMW) -- A Southwest Side police commander who enjoyed the respect of those who worked under him, as well as a reputation as "a policeman's policeman" died Saturday night after suffering a heart attack, the Chicago Police Department said.
Chicago Lawn District police Cmdr. John Kupczyk died Saturday evening after suffering a heart attack while off-duty, according to a statement from Chicago police Supt. Garry F. McCarthy.
"Commander Kupczyk proudly served the Chicago Police Department for 28 years, and he exemplified excellent leadership and the utmost professionalism while working each and every day to preserve the safety and well-being of the communities in which he served," McCarthy said in the statement.
"As a department, we mourn Commander Kupczyk's death and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time."
"He was an outstanding commander," Fraternal Order of Police spokesman Pat Camden said Sunday night.
"On behalf of the FOP our condolences go out to his family," as well as his police family, Camden said.
Those who worked under his command "spoke highly of him," Camden said. In his own dealings with Kupczyk, Camden, who is a former officer and CPD spokesman, said, "he was an outstanding guy. He treated everybody the way he wanted to be treated."
Kupczyk had previously worked as commanding officer of vice enforcement for the Chicago Police Department, as well as a captain in the West Side Harrison District.
A couple years ago, when crime statistics showed his Southwest Side district to be the most crime-ridden one in the city, Kupczyk called on residents to be the "eyes and ears" of police and make their homes and neighborhoods tough targets for criminals. "Some neighborhoods have been quiet a long time," he told the Sun-Times in 2009. "Maybe your doors aren't bolted as well as they should be. People need to make the target tough . . . and heighten awareness."
Camden observed, "it's very difficult for someone in the command position who comes up through the ranks" to enjoy the respect and admiration that Kupczyk did, but he had that reputation "from Day One," Camden said. "He was a standup guy.
"The best thing that can be said about a policeman is, he was a policeman's policeman," Camden said. That was what John Kupczyk was, "and he will be missed dearly."
The Kupczyk family on Sunday released a statement in which they thanked "everyone for their condolences and prayers during this difficult time. John was a loving father, husband and brother. John was a proud member of the Chicago Police Department family and dedicated his career to serving the community he loved, as well as protecting the city of Chicago. He will be greatly missed."
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
