Veteran Wheeling police officer dies at law enforcement conference

Wheeling police Cmdr. Jim Borchardt died unexpectedly Wednesday, likely after experiencing a medical emergency, authorities said.

Borchardt, 49, was found dead in his car about 6 p.m. at the Q Center, 1405 N. 5th Ave. in St. Charles. He was there for the annual Illinois Police Accreditation Coalition conference.

Borchardt had served with the department for 25 years.

“It’s always tragic to lose a member of a family like this,” Village President Pat Horcher said. “It is all a big family.”

Memorial bunting was hung outside the front entrance to the police station to honor Borchardt.

The village Facebook post announcing his passing described Borchardt as a leader and mentor who was committed to public safety.

“Over the years, he trained and inspired many members of the department, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community alike,” the statement read. “Jim was a devoted public servant whose legacy of leadership and integrity will forever be a part of our department. His contributions were immeasurable, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew and worked with him.”

The Elk Grove Village and Bannockburn police departments were among those paying tribute to Borchardt on social media Thursday. So did many people who knew Borchardt.

They included car enthusiast Daniel Franklin, who recalled meeting Borchardt at an event in Wheeling.

“He was a real down to earth person and took interest in all of the types of builds we had there,” Franklin said on Facebook. “He was kind to us all and treated us all with respect.”

Wheeling resident Stu Shapiro praised Borchardt as “a truly nice man and dedicated public servant to our community.”

Borchardt’s survivors include his wife, Maralee, and two sons, Ryan and Drew.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Counselors will be made available for grieving police personnel, Horcher said.