Elgin police are mourning a 26-year veteran who died unexpectedly Tuesday.
Elgin Police Officer James Willson died while off-duty, according to a release from the Elgin Police Department.
At approximately 11:30 p.m., Willson was riding his personal motorcycle in unincorporated DeKalb County when he collided with a deer in the roadway on Five Points Road near Old State Street, the release said. Immediately following the crash, Willson died from heart failure.
Willson was "very jovial, just a great guy who dealt with the most difficult people and could make them his friend," Patrol Bureau Commander Dan O'Shea said. "He will be missed very, very, very much."
Willson joined the department in 1988 and was assigned to day shift patrol. He was the beat officer for area 801 on the city's west side.
During his watch, Willson received two Department Unit Citations and one Distinguished Service/Class 1 award. Prior to joining the Elgin Police Departmant he served in the United States Army from August 1983 through August 1985.
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U.S. Army Veteran & 26 Year Feteran Elgin Police Officer James Willson Killed by a Deer
5:11 PM
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