Solemn Procession Planned Monday For Fallen Hometown Officer

HOMETOWN, IL — Fallen Hometown police officer Lt. James Kouski Jr. will be escorted for his final pass through the community where he was born and raised, and faithfully served for 34 years. The procession is expected to pass down Southwest Highway around 10:30 a.m. Monday.

Kouski, 58, was fatally struck by a car early Saturday morning while investigating a DUI crash at 90th Street and Pulaski Road. The officer was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he died from his injuries. Kouski was a resident of New Lenox.

Mayor Kevin Casey told Patch that the driver accused of hitting Kouski as he performed his duties as a police officer has been charged. Hometown police have not yet released the driver’s name.

>>> Hometown Cop Fatally Struck By Car Investigating Accident: Police

The City of Hometown is less than a square mile in size and sits between Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn, supporting 1950s era homes with wide lawns and a cooperative apartment community that locals refer to as "the co-ops." The Hometown Police Department employs a part-time police force. Kouski worked 34 years for the department.

“He was raised in the co-ops and was a Hometown guy,” Casey said. “He went through good times and bad times with the police department, and always stuck with it.”

Casey suggests the best vantage point to view the solemn procession will be at the Hometown Plaza, 87th Street and Southwest Highway. The procession will continue down Southwest Highway to Harlem Avenue, to 151st St. No memorial services are planned.

“We wanted to give him a great send-off for his final pass through Hometown,” Casey said.