The Round Lake Beach Police Department announced that a police commander, who served over 21 years with the department, suddenly died on Sunday while off-duty.
The Round Lake Beach Police Department said Commander Christopher Cordes died suddenly at his home Sunday afternoon.
“His commitment and dedication to this community will never be forgotten. Please keep his family and members of our department in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” Police Chief Wayne Wilde Jr. said.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office said Cordes was 56 years old and an Antioch resident.
He was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where he was pronounced dead just after 2 p.m. Sunday.
The coroner’s office said Cordes’ death was attributed to significant medical issues.
Cordes joined the Round Lake Beach Police Department on April 28, 2003, Wilde said.
He was promoted to sergeant on May 16, 2022, and appointed to commander on June 30, 2022.
Cordes served as a patrol shift supervisor, special operations investigation, task force officer with the FBI-Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force, special operations warrant service team member, field training officer, mentorship coordinator, crisis intervention team officer, Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) coordinator and taser, OC and baton instructor.
Wilde said Cordes received numerous department commendations, including Officer of the Year in 2007, Officer of the Year in 2021 and a lifesaving award.
An obituary said Cordes was a “caring family man” who loved playing with his dogs and treasured his grandchildren.
He leaves behind a wife, two children and three grandchildren, along with a number of other family members.
A visitation is scheduled for Thursday followed by funeral services on Friday at Strang Funeral Home of Antioch.