Retired Lake Zurich Police Officer Kristopher Zak, 46, died unexpectedly, of natural casuses, on Dec. 14, according to a news release from the Lake Zurich Police Department.

Zak lived in Crystal Lake with his wife, Connie, and two children, Ian and Ryan.

“Kris was born and raised in Lake Zurich and he was very proud to be a Lake Zurich police officer. He was especially proud of his time as a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer,” recalled Commander David Bradstreet of the Lake Zurich Police Department.

Bradstreet said Zak did well as a DARE officer as is evidence from his files which were filled with "thank you" notes from former students.

“Chris left here in good standing. We liked him and were proud of his service,” Bradstreet said. 

Officer Zak began his career with the Lake Zurich Police Department in September 1985 as a telecommunicator. He graduated from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute in July 1988 and served as a Lake Zurich police officer until January 2005, when he was granted an on-duty disability.

Zak also serve as a community service officer.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18 at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 415 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park Cemetery in Crystal Lake. 

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