Police Remember Trooper Who Died 64 Years Ago In Line Of Duty Near Libertyville

By Sam Borcia, Lake & McHenry County Scanner

Illinois State Police are remembering a trooper, who was also a military veteran, that died in the line of duty on Interstate 94 near Libertyville 64 years ago today.

Leo S. Burakowski joined the Illinois State Police on August 4, 1957. Burakowski served as a trooper on the department for just over a year until September 24, 1958.

Burakowski on that day was involved in an automobile accident while patrolling Interstate 94 near Atkinson Road in Libertyville. His patrol car left the roadway and struck a guard rail, which impaled the car for its entire length.

Burakowski was ejected from the wreckage and received fatal injuries, according to The Officer Down Memorial Page.

Burakowski was assigned to District 15, which covers much of the Illinois Tollway in the Chicagoland area.

He had previously served as a U.S. Air Force military policeman and was a World War II veteran.

Burakowski was 33 years old at the time and was survived by his wife, according to The Officer Down Memorial Page.

The Illinois State Police District 15 said on social media Saturday morning that they were remembering his death, which occurred 64 years ago today.

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