Editorial: Out of tragedy, let's build a legacy of connection
Whenever a tragedy hits close to home, good people search for ways to help.
Such is the case this week after the killing of Fox Lake police Lt. Charles Joseph Gliniewicz.
Some, as congressman Bob Dold told us Thursday, are dropping off food and meals at the police department, just as they would if it were their neighbor who died down the street.
Others are contributing money for the family. As Daily Herald columnist Kerry Lester reported Thursday, the 100 Club, an organization dedicated to helping the families of fallen first responders, gave the Gliniewicz family $15,000 this week and promised another $35,000.
In addition, the Lt. Joe Gliniewicz Memorial Fund has been established by Missy Gaffney, a police dispatcher and close friend of the Gliniewicz family. Donations are being accepted at any BMO Harris Bank.
And still others are using their time, talents or businesses to reach out and help this family and community heal.
"The tragic loss of Fox Lake Police Department's Lt. Joe Gliniewicz has no doubt affected us all. Like you, I have experienced a variety of emotions since yesterday's heartbreaking news. There is that overwhelming feeling of helplessness that just cannot be shaken. Lt. Joe Gliniewicz was one of the good guys. He dedicated his life to protecting and serving his community."
That was a post on Facebook Wednesday from the owner of the McHenry Outdoor Theater, Scott M. Dehn. He's opening the theater on Sept. 9 for a showing of "Superman" and contributing 100 percent of the donations to the fund established for the family.
"The movie SUPERMAN only seems fitting for this real-life superhero that we have lost. He truly was a super man. Superheroes DO exist. They just don't wear capes- they wear badges."
In addition, a group of McHenry County girls calling themselves The Lemonade Brigade will be selling lemonade at the theater on Sept. 13 to raise money for the family as well.
So what can you do? You can contribute, you can join the 100 Club, or perhaps you can work in your own communities to show your support of the hard work and dedication police officers and other first responders display every day.
For example, we know of one community leader who runs a youth football league and is in talks to provide a BBQ for officers, served by the youths and their parents, as one way to show solidarity. A simple but effective gesture.
Surely there are other ideas as well. What a lasting legacy from this terrible tragedy - to bring suburban communities closer and to connect police departments to residents on a personal level, just as Lt. Gliniewicz did each day on the job in Fox Lake.