2012 in Review: Grieving Losses of School, Police Officials

Loss is something that happens to us every year. It's hardest when it's those closest to us—those who teach us, those who protect us. Usually that means our parents, our loved ones.

But in 2012, Darien and Woodridge faced a loss of others who teach us and protect us. Two police officers died too young, and the communities grieved the losses of longtime educators. 

In memoriam, we remember some of the people near and dear who we lost in 2012: 

Darien Police Sergeant Dies After Illness

“He was one of the rare people you could count on no matter what,” said Ward 4 Alderman Joerg Seifert, a close friend. “It didn’t matter what was going on his his life. He would jump at the chance to help you out.”

Former Woodridge Cop Dies of Heart Attack at 29

“It’s a tremendous loss,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk told MLive Grand Rapids. “We are just in absolute shock that someone this early in a very promising career was taken away at age 29.”

Crisis Response Team On Hand After Downers Grove South Student's Death

"We want to take this opportunity to remind our community that suicide is a very complicated act," Principal Stephan Bild said in an email. "It is usually caused by a mental health concern such as depression, which can prevent a person from thinking clearly about his or her problems and how to solve them.

North High School Grieving Death of Teacher and Coach Mike Amrhein

"(He) was loved by all who knew him," Principal Scott Kasik said in his email. "… Please keep Mr. Amrhein’s family in your thoughts and prayers."

Memorial Services Planned for Woodridge's Longest Serving Superintendent

"He lived a full life of 79 years, which he shared with Pat, his wife of more than 53 years. She cared for him in his final months and days. As for Tom, they just don't make 'em like that anymore."