Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I discovered this website a little while ago and have been debating whether it was appropriate for me to post something to honor Erin (since I am not in law enforcement). But my wife (who went to high school with Erin) reminded me that it is always appropriate to say nice things about someone, so here goes:

I first met Erin 40 years ago in the spring of 1985. She had just graduated from SIU, and I was in graduate school. We were hired by the Skokie Park district to manage Oakton Pool. Our friendship developed instantaneously. She was openly friendly, warm, great with people, and had a terrific sense of humor. Working with her was a joy. The pool patrons and lifeguard staff all loved her. I also had the pleasure of getting to know her sister (through her visits to the pool) and meeting her parents on several occasions. I discovered that the warmth that Erin displayed was a family trait.

There are many anecdotes I could share about that summer, but there is one in particular that makes me chuckle to this day. One night, there was a break-in at our sister pool at Devonshire Park. I believe there were some items taken and there was some property damage. Suspecting that we would be next, Erin decided that she was going to stake out our pool the following evening. She spent the entire night in the pool office in the dark hoping to catch the offenders. No one showed up, but it was definitely a case of Erin being Erin!

The following year, Erin entered the academy to become a Skokie police officer. I continued my schooling while Erin eventually fulfilled her dream of becoming an Illinois state trooper. I subsequently moved to Kentucky for a surgical residency program. Unfortunately, as happens all too often with friends, our lives drifted apart. I thought of her often over the years and intended to look her up, but life got busy, and I regrettably never followed through. After moving back to Chicago, I visited the pool in the summer of 1998. I ran into one of the “regulars” from my time there and we got to reminiscing. As a result, I informed her that I was now fully committed to reconnecting with Erin. She looked at me with a pained expression and said, “You don’t know?’ It was like punch in the gut that I still feel to this day. Such a profound loss to the world. I realize that this is very late in coming, but my heart goes out to her family.

I have learned a very painful lesson, one that I never hesitate to share with others. And that is, if you are contemplating reconnecting with a friend, loved one, or family member, don’t put it off. You never know what the future holds.

Erin, I am so sorry that we did not reconnect. Rest in peace, my friend.

Michael Meer
Friend

March 27, 2025

It is February and once again I am late in wishing you a happy Heavenly Birthday. Your son his now married and starting his own family. He looks like you and has his father's sense of humor. I miss you and your Chicago accent! Your laugh was contagious and I can still hear it. Thank you for sharing your friend Jill with me, she is a very important friend in my life! Rest easy Erin, we all miss you terribly. ♡♡♡

M/Sgt Jane Tipsword Retired
Illinois State Police

February 8, 2025

27 years. I have missed you for 27 years. Erin, you will never be forgotten. I can always hear your laugh. All I need to do is remember our many shenanigans. Time makes nothing better, the pain is still the same. Rest in peace♡

Jane Tipsword M/Sgt #3295
Illinois State Police

October 30, 2024

Just thinking of you. I hope your kids did well and your husband got through everything. I truly enjoyed working with you and you helped make me a better Trooper.

M/Tpr
ISP

August 14, 2024

God rest her soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

April 24, 2024

26 years have passed since you made your ultimate sacrifice Sgt. Hehl. You are remembered today and everyday. RIP my Blue Sister.

M.P.O. Robin Popelka
Chicago Mounted Patrol

October 31, 2023

Rest in peace.

Lieutenant Raymond Flores
NYPD (retired)

October 30, 2020

Erin, we never met but one of your best friends was an FTO of mine. She was always talking about you. You had a great sense of humor. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. We will never forget you.

Trooper A.M. Unal
Illinois State Police

April 19, 2020

Erin, I still miss you and think of you almost daily. You'd be laughing with me now... I'm coordinating training for Law Enforcement and Private Security. You'd have made a fabulous instructor. I can picture you at ISP headquarters training the new recruits and having a blast. Love you and miss you always.

Karen Gutenkauf
TulsaTech

March 3, 2020

I'm a couple of days late but still wanted to wish you a happy heavenly birthday. It's been a rough time. My sister Karen has now joined you in heaven. Gone...Never Forgotten.

Master Sergeant Retired Jane Tipsword
Illinois State Police

February 4, 2019

Erin, I think of you Bob and the kids often. You were taken far too soon. RIP my friend

Bill Kushner
Chgo PD (Rey)

October 31, 2018

Continue to RIP Sister and continue to look down and pray for those who continue to serve.

Robert Mau Sr Sgt- Retired
PD Joliet Il

October 30, 2018

Rest In Peace Sister LEO. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

October 30, 2018

The heart warming speech given by your husband left so many of us without words, but great gratitude for the work he does for our men and women. He is in the prayers of many, as are your son and step son.

Lauri Gesner
WCSO Wife

May 4, 2018

Happy 55th birthday Erin. You are forever in my heart!

M/Sgt Jane Tipsword (ret)
Illinois State Police

February 4, 2018

Erin, it has been 20 years since your EOW. It's still as painful as it was 20 years ago. You made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of Illinois. May you rest in peace. We lost an excellent Trooper, friend and mentor that day.

Msgt Jane Tipsword (retired)
Illinois State Police

November 1, 2017

Erin - 20 years ago today - I remember you and your smile. RIP

Art Therios
classmate

October 30, 2017

19 years Erin, you will never be forgotten. It is still so hard for me to believe that you are gone. You are never far away from my thoughts. Love you girl!

M/Sgt JaneTipsword (retired)
Illinois State Police

October 30, 2016

Happy Birthday Erin! Thank you for watching over us♡

M/Sgt JaneTipsword Tipsword (retired)
Illinois State Police

February 9, 2016

18 years Erin. You have been gone from our earthly lives. I know you watch over us daily. Today will be my mother's wake and her funeral tomorrow. I'm sure you have already welcomed her to heaven and are showing her the ropes because that is just the kind of soul you are. I miss you. You were a very good friend.

MSgt. Jane Tipsword (retired)
Illinois State Police

October 30, 2015

On October 30, 2014, the Illinois State Police dedicated the Trooper Erin Hehl Memorial Overpass. The overpass is located at I-55 and IL83 (Kingery Highway). Tpr Hehl is still remembered by her family, friends and members of the Illinois State Police, we will never forget.

Anonymous

November 3, 2014

Erin and family, you're still in my thoughts and prayers. Erin Flying with you was a pleasure and privilege. You sure could use that FLIR and find the bad guys! 16 years later and still flying, knowing you're watching over me is comforting. I saw your photo at Cook County Sheriff office yesterday, all that knew you will never forget you.

Daniel Bitton, Commander
Cook County Sheriff/DHSEM

December 12, 2013

16 years you have spent watching over us all as we continue to miss your awesome smile and infectious laugh. Your family and friends continue to grieve your death. You were such a great friend to me. Thank you Erin.

Master Sergeant Jane Hosteny
Illinois State Police Retired

November 1, 2013

Sgt Hehl, you were and are a shinning example of all that is good about Law Enforcement. Rest in Peace.

1st Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland

April 1, 2013

It is your 50th Birthday Erin. You would be retired at the end of this month. Brendon is in his first year of college at your alma mater. What a time we would have! I miss you now as always. I will see you on the other side, until then please watch over us. Happy Birthday.

Msgt Jane Hosteny (Ret)
Illinois State Police

February 3, 2013