Arlington Heights police honor fallen officers

The Arlington Heights Police Department gathered Thursday to honor fallen police officers across the nation.

The department, which participates in this memorial annually, paid tribute to police officers "who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty," with comments from Village President Tom Hayes, the playing of "Taps" from a bagpiper and a rifle salute.

The village gave special recognition to three of its own officers who have died in the line of duty over the past century.

Fred John Koerber, who died on Nov. 22, 1924, Herman Gaare, who died on July 18, 1927, and Alan J. Vargo, who died on July 18, 1976, were killed in traffic accidents. Vargo was assisting at the scene of an accident when he was hit and killed by a drunken driver.

Police said a total of 128 police officers died in the line of duty in 2015 across the country.