Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Alan Vargo was struck and killed by a drunken driver while directing traffic at the scene of an accident at 2:00 am. He was directing traffic at Arlington Heights Road and Olive Street when a drunk driver dodged a police blockade, struck Officer Vargo and dragged him 40 feet before stopping. Officer Vargo was transported to Northwest Community Hospital where he died a few hours later. The offender later pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and served two years probation. In 1982 he was again arrested for drunk driving. Officer Vargo had served with the Arlington Heights Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, brothers, and sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-67AC7B62- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Alan. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Vargo gave the Arlington Heights Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Arlington Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Vargo.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Alan J. Vargo is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,586 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 10 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Arlington Heights Police Department, 1 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Alan J. Vargo's cause is highlighted.
How Alan J. Vargo Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Alan J. Vargo is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Alan J. Vargo was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Arlington Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
