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Fox Lake Mourns Fallen Officer Known As 'G.I. Joe'

FOX LAKE, Ill. (CBS) -- Lieutenant Charles Joseph Gliniewicz patrolled Fox Lake for more than three decades before he was shot and killed Tuesday morning.

CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports he knew many residents by name in the small suburb, and they knew his name as well.

His given name was Charles, but most who knew him well in Fox Lake simply called him Joe, or as Mayor Donny Schmit said, G.I. Joe.

"Many residents here knew him as 'G.I. Joe' and remember him as someone deeply committed to Fox Lake, to the profession and to his fellow officers," Mayor Schmit says.

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52-year-old Lt. Gliniewicz was known the community over.

"Everybody was just safe around Joe," says friend Tammy Rivette.

Zachary Point learned from him in the Explorers program.

"I found it was Joe Gliniewicz and my heart just dropped," Point says. "He meant something to this community."

Friend Steve Washburn came to the police department with a sign that said, "Police Lives Matter."

"It hits home in the hardest way," Washburn says.

On social media, tributes to the fallen officer are flooding in to his friends and family.

Cassie Liszka wrote, "I know there is no words to make any of this better but I am so sorry for your loss. Your father is a hero and will always be remembered as that."

Brandon Klean said, "My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Your father was a great man, an amazing leader, and a wonderful family man!"

Ryan Yost wrote simply: "He was one of the greatest men."

Lieutenant Gliniewicz was married with four children. Residents in Fox Lake talk about his dedication to the community through volunteer work with the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Explorers Club, a group for youth who are interested in becoming police officers.

Joe Ahern, CEO of the 100 Club which supports the families of fallen officers, was told that Lt. Gliniewicz wanted to retire, but was asked to stay on. He was set to leave the force at the end of the month.

A memorial vigil will be held for Lt. Gliniewicz Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd, Fox Lake.

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