Saturday, July 18, 2026 marked fifty years since the line-of-duty death of Arlington Heights Police Officer Alan Vargo (Badge #162).
On Sunday, July 18, 1976, Officer Vargo was tragically killed while directing traffic at the scene of a crash at Arlington Heights Road and Olive Street. An impaired driver ignored a police roadblock and struck Officer Vargo. The drunk driver struck police officer Alan Vargo, and dragged him 40 feet on Arlington Heights Road near Olive Street.
Officer Vargo was transported to Northwest Community Hospital, and was pronounced dead a few hours later. There was a shocking atmosphere in the emergency room when the morning shift arrived at 7:00 a.m. with staff whispering the unbelievable news as they learned what had happened during the overnight shift.
Officer Vargo was only 24 years-old and had served with the Arlington Heights Police Department for only two years. His dedication, service and ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten by the police department and the Village of Arlington Heights.
The drunk driver later pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and served two years probation, and was arrested again for drunk driving in 1982.
Although fifty years have passed, Officer Vargo’s legacy continues through our veteran police canine (Vargo), proudly named in his honor.
— Arlington Heights Police Department
See also Officer Down Memorial Page for further information related to Officer Vargo and his sacrifice …
www.odmp.org/officer/13603-police-officer-alan-j-vargo
^^ MOBILE? USE VOICE MIC ^^
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