“John will always be remembered by me as an outstanding police officer who left all of us that knew him smile warmly with wonderful memories of his police service.” 

(Retired Lt. Robert J. Jacobsen, Cook County Sheriff’s Police, May 20, 2006) 

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Investigator John Rusnak Badge #152 was killed when his unmarked vehicle was struck from behind by a pickup truck while he was traveling southbound on 294 South on August 3, 1977. 
 
Investigator Rusnak was about to meet with other officers from his unit to do surveillance on a suspect’s home when his vehicle was struck. His vehicle was spun around and pinned against a guardrail. 
 
The pickup truck rolled several times after the initial impact, coming to rest on top of Investigator Rusnak’s vehicle before both vehicles burst into flames. Investigator Rusnak died due to the fire and massive internal injuries. 

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Investigator Rusnak had served with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife Roberta, daughter, son, parents, sister and grandparents. He was laid to rest at Evangelical Lutheran Cemetary in Naperville, IL. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rusnak family and the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department. To donate in memory of Investigator Rusnak, please visit our Fallen Heroes Donation page.