Sgt. Leonard Marak.
Sgt. Leonard (LJ) Marak was Sun City’s special cop.
As a sergeant in the Huntley Police Department, he was assigned as a liaison to a specific area of the community. His area included Sun City. He carried out his duties with aggressive dedication. He met frequently with Sun City groups, notably the Neighborhood Advisory Council and Neighborhood Watch, regarding law enforcement matters and citizen security issues.
When break-ins started happening in the community in 2011, he made presentations to Sun City groups, providing advice on home security and offering updates on the police investigations of the burglaries. When Sun City needed the presence and voice of friendly authority and helpful advice, he was always there.
On August 23, Sgt. Marak died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago after nearly a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 40 years old.
“As an area sergeant, he often spoke in Sun City and dealt closely with neighborhood groups there,” said Chief Robert Porter. “We appreciate so much the support we received from Sun City, and Sgt. Marak was a big part of that. He will be missed.”
Taking his place will be Megan Racila, a senior community service officer who also has spoken to local groups in the community in recent months.
A native of Arlington Heights and a graduate of Palatine High School in 1994, Sgt. Marak worked at the Palatine Police Department as a police assistant before obtaining his Associate in Criminal Justice recognition from Harper Community College. In 2002, he entered the Police Academy at the University of Illinois, where he was graduated at the top of his class. He then began a 14-year tenure with the Huntley Police Department, rising to the rank of sergeant. He was a resident of McHenry.
LJ, as he was known among his co-workers and friends, was actively involved with the Citizens Police Academy and its alumni association (CPA). He was a passionate hunter and cherished his pet yellow lab, Cady.
He is survived by his widow, Kimberly, and three sons, Leonard (Leo), Bennett, and Samuel; his parents, Leonard F. And Nancy C. Marak of Palatine; his sister, Darcey (Garth) Martino of Palatine; his brother, Adam (Jessica) Marak of Lake in the Hills; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral mass for him was conducted August 26 at the Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry.
His family suggests that memorials be made to the Marak Family Assistance Fund, and can be sent through any BMO-Harris Bank branch.
