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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Arlington Heights Police Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Alan is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Alan is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Alan is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1976, 7 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Alan was 24. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Alan had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alan was 24. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Alan had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Alan was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Alan had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Arlington Heights Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 3.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Arlington Heights Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Alan among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Arlington Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
