Street Sign Dedication To Honor Fallen Hometown Police Officer

HOMETOWN, IL — An honorary street will be dedicated on Memorial Day honoring a Hometown police officer who was killed April 3, when he was hit by a car directing traffic at an accident scene.

Lt. James Kouski Jr. grew up in Hometown apartment co-op, attending the local public schools. The 58-year-old police officer was a graduate of Oak Lawn Community High School. He was a 34-year veteran of the Hometown Police Department, and at one time served as its acting chief.

Don Roberton and Kouski were good friends and would regularly chart when Roberton served as mayor, and Kouski was the acting police chief. Roberton described his friend as a "what-you-see-what-you get" kind of guy.

"He was a homeowner's policeman," Roberton told Patch. "He was a quiet, friendly person. He was great interacting with people."

The fallen officer’s family, friends, residents and elected officials will gather at noon Monday, May 31, at Kilpatrick Avenue and 88th Street. An honorary street sign “Lt. James Kouski Jr. Lane,” will be dedicated in the Hometown Co-Ops.

Prior to the street dedication, the City of Hometown will also be gathering at 10:45 a.m. by the War Memorial in Patterson Park, 8780 Main St., for a remembrance ceremony.