The ongoing manhunt for three suspects responsible for the death of a beloved police lieutenant could put a major damper on Labor Day weekend at Fox Lake, one of the state’s most popular holiday attractions.
With miles of lush hiking trails, endless water activities such as fishing and boating, family-friendly campgrounds and picturesque scenery, it’s easy to see why tens of thousands typically travel to Fox Lake for the last big weekend of summer.
But the community of nearly 11,000 full-time residents is still reeling from the murder of popular police lieutenant Joe Gliniewicz, and the full on manhunt for his alleged killers. Gliniewicz was the first on-duty officer who was shot and killed in Lake County in 35 years.
Residents are still hoping people will come visit the typically safe and quaint town for Labor Day, a holiday they look forward to each year.
Schaumburg's Ben Lee was washing his cruiser Thursday to make sure he was ready for the action, adding that the heavy police presence would only further ensure the safety of tourists.
“It's pretty safe around here with all the law enforcement,” Lee said. “I am not too worried.”
It’s a notion echoed by many local businesses, adorned with signs of support for their fallen officer.
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"It is perfectly safe to come to Fox Lake for the weekend," the president of the Chamber of Commerce told NBC Chicago.
Boater Pete Czuchara has been watching the news from Chicago.
“It was kind of tough to hear about this but as far as coming up here now, I think the guys are long gone, so I am not too concerned,” Czuchara said. “We are going to be far enough from shore so that even if they do see something, we won't be bothered by it.”
Thursday afternoon shipments of beer were already flowing into Dockers restaurant, a lakefront landmark.
“Gotta get delivered, its Labor Day weekend!” an employee said.
Mario Martinez has owned Dockers for more than 18 years. After a short summer, like the one we have had this year, he is hoping patrons will turn out this weekend.
“It all depends on the weather,” Martinez said. “If we have good weather, this business will be super busy. Super, super busy.”
And busy means more money for merchants, and more fun for people enjoying the last stretch of warm weather on the water, like Ben Lee.
“You can't let things like this [make you] afraid,” Lee said. “You gotta go out and enjoy life. What's the purpose of living if you are living in fear?”
