Mercer, WI – Lake Bluff Police Department (LBPD), Illinois, Officer Jeff Jacoby died unexpectedly on June 6 while on a fishing trip with friends in Wisconsin, according to his family.

The 55-year-old officer’s exact cause of death was not released.

Officer Jacoby devoted more than 30 years of his life to his law enforcement career, the LBPD said in a press release on June 8.

He spent nearly three years working for the Village of Lisle Police Department before he later joined the Des Plaines Police Department (DPPD).

Officer Jacoby served the DPPD for 27 years prior to retiring as a patrol commander.

He also held a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University.

Officer Jacoby joined the LBPD in December of 2020.

“Although his time with the Village of Lake Bluff was relatively brief, Jeff made an immediate impact on the Department and was very well liked by all that worked or interacted with him,” the police department said. “He was always quick to share his experience and extensive training with fellow officers and received letters of appreciation by the Village and others for his fine work and elevation of our Department and he always did these things with his special humor and wit.”

“Please keep Jeff’s family, friends, and the Lake Bluff Police Department in your thoughts,” the LBPD added. “We will miss you Jeff.”

Officer Jacoby leaves behind his wife, Lori, and his children, Jake and Jenna, according to his obituary.

He is also survived by his sister, in-laws, nephews, and niece.

A fundraising campaign established to help Officer Jacoby’s family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $10,000 so far.

Officer Jacoby was laid to rest on June 14.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lake Bluff Police Department Officer Jeff Jacoby, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.