Algonquin police chief back on the job, continues rehab

Longtime Algonquin Police Chief Russ Laine is back on the beat after spending nearly four months recovering from a bout of double pneumonia, officials confirmed today.

Laine is working part time at the station "just as he feels he can," said Village Manager William Ganek.

Wednesday was his first day back, said Deputy Chief Ed Urban.

"He didn't get anything done in the first hour because his office was jam-packed with people," Urban said. "He surprised us; he just came in. One person cried."

Laine family spokesman Ignacio "Joe" Pena says the village's chief of 23 years continues to undergo rehab two to three days a week at home to get his strength back.

"He's doing extremely well," Pena said.

Laine could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.

On April 15, Laine checked himself into Sherman Hospital in Elgin to uncover the source of a persistent cough.

He remained in the hospital for nearly four months while he battled complications that arose from the lung infection.

He was finally released earlier this month to recuperate from home, Urban said.

In the chief's absence, Urban and Deputy Chief Steve Kuzynowski handled the department's day-to-day operations.

Laine is highly regarded in Algonquin and belongs to many affiliations - he is past president of the Illinois Association of Police Chiefs and first vice president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

He has built an international reputation in the law enforcement community for himself, and Algonquin by extension.

Laine has been in high spirits since resuming his police work, Urban said.

"He looks very happy," Urban said. "So I think overall it's good."