Former Police Chief Larry Herzog Leaves A Lasting Impression

After only two months of retirement, former Grayslake Police Chief Larry Herzog admits he has no idea how he ever had time to work.

“I’m actually really busy. I have eight grandkids around and I’m always going somewhere,” Herzog said.

The Chicago native spent 13 years as top cop in Grayslake, moving to the area from Park Ridge in 1998 with his wife and three children. He retired in July.

When asked to share his favorite memory, he had difficulty pointing out just one.

“It’s the people here that make this village what it is,” Herzog said. “Being really invested in this town is how it got to be so great and that’s my favorite thing about it.”

The feeling seems to be mutual.

Several visitors to the complimented Herzog on a ‘good run as Chief’ after he shared his thoughts earlier this week.

“People that work there now really respect their positions and their team,” said Terese Douglass, a former Grayslake Trustee. “You can see the difference in the force and in the town.”

Douglass recalled an accident her daughter was involved in several years ago. An officer with the sat with her daughter and calmed her down until Douglass could arrive at the scene. For that, she said, she is forever grateful.

“When you’re in a community like this and to have that kind of care and kindness is amazing,” she said giving Herzog credit for building the department into a group of caring officers.

Elizabeth McDonald, former Superintendent of said, “The spirit he created is so meaningful. He really was the person who embodied the spirit.”

McDonald said she spoke to Chief Herzog the morning of September 11, 2001. “I called him to find out what was going on and what we should do and he was just absolutely wonderful.”

“He really understood what the community needed and wanted,” she said of Herzog.

His leadership skills also proved to be a driving force of the department, saving the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by outsourcing the crime investigations and special operation units.

“It’s just cheaper to operate that way. Outsourcing what you don’t need all the time really just makes sense,” Herzog said.

He maintains that Grayslake is the “diamond in the middle of Lake County” and is grateful for the countless resources available.

“It’s the incredible people in this town who really make it happen. They volunteer, they contribute. It’s just amazing.”

While Herzog said he will miss leading his team, and knows he will be missed, it was time to go.

“I didn’t want to stay too long and outwear my welcome,” Herzog said. "I’m committed to the village. I am excited about Grayslake and I always will be."

Read more in Herzog: Looking Back And Looking Ahead.