Vernon Hills Offers Condolences to Sauter's Wife

Vernon Hills officials conveyed their condolences this week to resident Elizabeth Sauter whose husband, Illinois State Trooper James Sauter, was killed in a March 29 crash.

The letter recounted a recent visit from James Sauter to the Vernon Hills Police Department and told Elizabeth that her “neighbors are here for you.” 

The entire letter, which was signed by Village President Roger Byrne and the six village trustees, is as follows:

Dear Mrs. Sauter, 

Elizabeth, you are our neighbor. We, the Mayor and Village Board of Vernon Hills, extend our most heartfelt condolences to you in this time of sorrow.

So many wonderful stories have been told about Jim’s dedication and his enthusiasm for not only his work with the State Police, but also for friends, family, and his interests. Police Chief Mark Fleischhauer related a story about a visit from Jim just a few weeks ago. Jim stopped at our Police Department to say hi and introduce himself as an officer with the State Police who lived in Vernon Hills. He offered any assistance he could provide Vernon Hills if State Police resources were needed. We think this is just one example of the person that Jim was to the many people he assisted in both his professional and personal life.

Those dedicated in service to the public and particularly in public safety put their lives at risk to help others and, certainly, Jim was the highest example of this service.

Speaking for the Vernon Hills community, we want you to know that your neighbors are here for you.

Hundreds of mourners attended a funeral service Tuesday held for Sauter in south suburban Palos Heights.

Patch invites community members to share their memories of James Sauter and offer condolences to his family in the comment section below.