Randall L. “Randy” Walters, a former Huntley police chief, began his long law enforcement career on a whim in 1969, when he drove a friend to the Northbrook Police Department for the police officer exam.
“He decided to take the test,” said his son, Matthew, adding that his father was a newlywed then. “I don’t think he ever thought before that of being a police officer.”
That decision led to a career in Northbrook that saw him rise to commander of investigations. He also was on a task force that caught Colombian jewel thieves.
Mr. Walters, 60, of Huntley died of lung cancer Monday, Sept. 12, in Rush University Medical Center, Chicago.
“He enjoyed serving people … he cared about them,” his son said.
Mr. Walters was born April 20, 1945, in Moline. In March 1969, he married Linda Werner in Northbrook.
Walters, a Vietnam veteran, graduated from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
After 26 years with the Northbrook Police Department, Walters took the helm in Huntley in 1995, a time of unprecedented growth in the McHenry County town.
“With all the growth, we needed direction, and he gave us that direction,” said Deputy Chief John Ciombor.
Ciombor said Walters had high expectations for his police force but treated everyone fairly, even when they ribbed him about his golf game.
“He was serious when he needed to be, but he had a sense of humor,” Ciombor said. “The whole town loved him.”
He stepped down as chief in January, a few months after learning he had cancer, his son said.
“He never once complained or felt sorry for himself. All he cared about in the end was that his family would be OK,” his son said. “He’s got a grandchild on the way this January. I think he was trying to stick it out until then.”
Other survivors include his wife; a daughter, Lacy Kaufmann; and a sister, Kathy Walters.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. Private services and burial will be at a later date.
