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Fox Lake Residents Express Outrage, Disappointment Of Gliniewicz Revelations

FOX LAKE, Ill. (CBS) -- From the very beginning of the investigation: we saw an outpouring of love and support in Fox Lake for the popular officer and his family.

In Fox Lake, CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez reports there's tremendous disappointment and some anger today to hear that a man hailed as a hero, was, according to police, a thief and a liar. But as one man put it, everyone makes mistakes. GI Joe's story could easily have had a different ending.

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Signs of support for Lt. Joe Glinewicz are today replaced with signs of anger.

"Embarrassment…low life scum" reads one sign.

Cab driver Yadi Ahmed says the suicide of Lt. Gliniwicz is the talk of the town.

"The first thing that's what they say, 'did you hear what happened?' Ahmed said. "People are pretty shocked. I guess."

Up and down one main street in Fox Lake, one-time supporters are scratching their heads.

"I knew Joe," said attorney David Zipp. "I gotta tell you I'm floored."

Local hair stylist Dina Piazza of The Wild Hare wonders what to tell her 12 year old son, who looked up to G.I. Joe.

"When I showed him the paper today when we heard that it might be that, he didn't know how to understand but when he heard that it definitely was, you could tell his heart sank."

At the bakery, we find sympathy.

"It's a very forgiving community, if he would have just came out and admitted that he made a mistake and offered restitution, people would have understood and none of this would have had to happen," said Terry Allen.

And at the sign shop, that once had a wait for posters in support of GI Joe, only a statement today.

"We knew him only as a dedicated father, a caring friend & passionate law enforcement officer." It goes on to say "we wish nothing but closure for everyone."

17-year-old Noah Flores was a member of the Explorers program which Gliniewicz oversaw. He says he doesn't feel betrayed, "Because he's helped me through numerous circumstances."

"At first I didn't want to believe it," said Ex police officer Jack Kielczynski

Kielczynski who spent the last month or so planning a Nov. 6 benefit for Gliniewicz family, a benefit now cancelled. Cash and donated items like Hawks and Sox tickets are now being returned.

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