Palos Park Police Mourn Beloved Investigator

PALOS PARK, IL — Palos Park police were stunned this week by the sudden death of a beloved officer.

Barry Churin, 53, notched an impressive record of titles and accomplishments during his career in public service. He died Sunday, Nov. 6.

Churin was a South Suburban Emergency Response Team Instructor, Range Officer & Team Member, Palos Park Policeman, Palos Fire District Police Diver, former Palos Heights Policeman, former Blue Island Policeman, member of the Major Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security, Graduate of Dignity School and Volunteer Rescuer during Hurricane Katrina.

His spirit and passion for service was evident to all those who worked alongside him.

"He always was the first to help," said Alex Chapleau, who worked with him on SSERT. Chapleau shared a photo of Churin in tribute.

"Here he's moving and shooting, during live fire, stress inoculation drills for these students that are tucked in behind him. He doesn't know them, will never work with them, but he gave them the best he had, because that's who he was, and because he always led from the front. He moved with a purpose, and we will all continue to do the same."

Churin was the five-time recipient of SWAT officer of the year.

"The path he chose was full of hazards, as all paths are; but it is the one most consistent with his character," the department wrote in a tribute on its Facebook page.

"I and this organization are forever better for knowing Barry, incredible person, public servant and friend," said Police Chief Joe Miller. "A true selfless guy!

"The next several days as we mourn, we recall Barry’s enduring legacy and remember him as one of policing’s very best. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Churin family in this time of grief and who should know that his legacy will endure in a profession made better by his many years of service."

The complete obituary can be found below.

S.S.E.R.T. Instructor, Range Officer & Team Member, Palos Park Policeman, Palos Fire District Police Diver, former Palos Heights Policeman, former Blue Island Policeman, Member of the Major Crime’s Task Force, Homeland Security, Graduate of Dignity School & Volunteer Rescuer during Hurricane Katrina.
Beloved husband of Pam (nee Mars).

Loving father of Tori & Delaney Churin.

Devoted son of the late: Nick & Joan (nee Strezo) Churin.

Dear brother of Laura (John) Palys, Kevin Churin & Sheri (Tom) Senf.

Fond brother-in-law of Doreen Adams, Mark (Kim) Mars, Cheryl (Bill) Boyle, & the late David Mars.
Kind uncle, cousin, friend & “brother-in-arms” of many.

Visitation Wednesday, November 9 from 1 until 9 p.m.

Family & Friends will gather Thursday, November 10 for chapel prayers, 10 a.m. at the Kerry Funeral Home, 7020 W. 127th Street, Palos Heights proceeding to Saint Alexander Church, 7025 W. 126th Street, Palos Heights, Mass 11:30 a.m.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Churin Family, for the future needs of Barry’s two daughters, would be greatly appreciated. CNB Bank, 12727 South Ridgeland, Palos Heights, IL 60463 under the account name of Churin Family.