Retired Elgin police officer dies due to complications from cancer

Retired Elgin Police Officer Ken Herman died Sunday due to complications from cancer, which he'd fought for several years, officials said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken's family and friends as they sort through this difficult time," the police department said in a Facebook post Monday.

Herman, who lived in South Elgin, retired in September 2014 after 31 years on the force. He spent many years on the night shift and most recently worked in the property evidence room.

"He was very good with the community, very engaged," Cmdr. Al Young said. "He was an all-around hardworking guy."

He also was one of the first major crimes evidence technicians at the department, Young said.

"He was an unbelievable evidence technician," Young said. "Back in the days, when Elgin was really, really busy (with crime), when I was kind of new on the night shift, he was the guy who drove the wagon. He was assigned to the downtown area, so he could stay central, in case he had to process a major scene."

Funeral arrangements are pending.