Archive Record
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Metadata
Title |
Christian Elfert |
Description |
Christian Elfert, known as "Chris," was an important figure in Lake Bluff's Police history. He first arrived in Lake Bluff in the 1940's when his first wife bought a home at 309 Scranton Ave. At the time, he worked at an iron and brass foundry in North Chicago. He left the foundry due to internal health issues as a result from his heavy lifting job, after surgery he was immediately offered a job at the police department. Soon, he became the Chief of Police. The Christian Elfert Distinguished Service Award was established when Elfert retired. The Village dedicated an award in his name because in 1949 Elfert displayed "outstanding heroism far beyond the call of duty" when he risked his life to save a drowning boy in the icy waters of Lake Michigan. Around his retirement, 1969, his first wife passed away and he eventually remarried to Arelene Burmeister. Christian Elfert passed away in 1986 at the age of 82. Typed copy of Christian Elfert's 1949 report he made about saving Albert Leach from drowning in Lake Michigan. 1949 resolution, declaring Elfert a reward from the Village for his actions saving Leach. Three 1952 newspaper clippings explaining the controversy started when Elfert referred to the Knollwood residents as "hillbillies." Because every time an arrested Knollwood resident gives a Lake Bluff P.O address, the News-Sun headlines them as a Lake Bluff resident. Ruining Lake Bluff's reputation according to Elfert. One of the clippings covers his apology to the Knollwood residents. Article of an unknown date written by Susan Dart about Elfert's life and retirement. Two pages copied from the 1950 Illinois Policeman and Police Journal about the 1949 Merit Awards. Including Elfert winning the 1st award. The Village rewarded him with a citation of merit and $100. Article copied from the Chiefly Chatter comparing small police forces and large police forces. Using Elfert's Lake Bluff force to acknowledge the time and effort his small police force puts in. |
Caption |
Christian Elfert's Police Report |
Date |
1949 - c. 1980 |
People |
Elfert, Christian Leach, Albert |
Search Terms |
Chief of Police Lake Bluff Police Department Merit Awards 309 Scranton Ave Policemen Police Christian Elfert Distinguished Service Award |
Collection |
Personalities |
Object Name |
Documents |
Object ID |
Doc 588 |