Police plan to keep youth program despite officer's death

FOX LAKE, Ill. (AP) - The police department in the Chicago suburb of Fox Lake plans to continue a youth program that was led by an officer whose recent shooting death sparked a large manhunt.

Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz, 52, was a leader for Fox Lake Law Enforcement Explorers Post 300, which is for young adults who want to have careers in law enforcement. Gliniewicz was found shot twice with his own weapon on Sept. 1. A manhunt ensued but authorities haven't made any arrests. The county coroner has said he is unable to rule Gliniewicz's death a homicide, suicide or an accident.

Fox Lake Mayor Donny Schmit said the board and village want to see the program continue, but that there may be some changes, The (Waukegan) News Sun reported (http://trib.in/1VR314Z).

Interim Police Chief Michael Keller asked Sgt. Michael Ostertag to take over as lead adviser for the post. Ostertag said Explorer members will meet weekly at the police station going forward.

"After the devastating loss of Lt. Gliniewicz, that was one of our primary concerns, who would take over the Explorers program," Ostertag said. "The post is part of our department, they're part of our family, part of our village."

Mike Hale, scout executive of the Boy Scouts of America's Northeast Illinois Council, said without Gliniewicz, the post didn't have the required number of leaders. However, Sgt. Dawn Deservi volunteered to be an adviser, Keller said.

Village and police officials also have been considering new policies and procedures for the group, Keller said.

"We're now starting to make (the Explorers) more of a focus as we move forward," he said.

The post remains active but its equipment has been secured as part of a village review of police assets which started when Chief Michael Behan retired Aug. 28.