Blog thumb

Patrol Camaro Auction's Success

Volo Auto Museum Press Release Posted on 2016-09-19

 

VOLO — The family of Huntley Police Sgt. L.J. Marak will receive more than $18,000 as the result of the charity eBay auction of a rare 2002 California Highway Patrol Camaro. 

 

The car — once decorated in tribute to hero-turned-heel Fox Lake Police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz, but since restored to its original CHP appearance — garnered $18,750 in final bidding Monday afternoon. 

 

“We were really saddened to learn of Sgt. Marak’s untimely death,” Volo Auto Museum Director Brian Grams said of the August passing of the 40-year-old police officer after a two-year cancer battle. 

 

“When the guys from Sparrow Express approached us about doing another auction of the police Camaro, this time to benefit Marak’s family, for sure we were on board,” Grams said.

 

Sparrow Express Transport owner Tim Potoczny and his partner at the Elk Grove Village-based business were the winning bidders a year ago when the car was auctioned to benefit Gliniewicz’s family. No one knew at the time that the veteran Fox Lake officer would become a national disgrace when it was revealed that his Sept. 1, 2015, “homicide” was, in fact, a staged suicide. 

 

Potoczny, a high school classmate of Marak’s, said he decided after learning of Marak’s death that the Z28 SS coupe should be auctioned again. He and his partner are giving all of the money from Monday’s winning bid to Marak’s widow, Kim, and the couple’s three children, Sam, Ben and Leo.

 

“I’m so, so sorry for their loss,” Potoczny said. “I’m glad that we found a way to offer a measure of help. I am excited and encouraged to witness the generosity displayed in this auction and to end this collector-car ownership on a very positive note.” 

 

Equally pleased is the car’s new owner, retired police officer and former Special Deputy U.S. Marshal Mike Del Puppo of Sanger, California. Del Puppo, 65, is a patrol car collector. He said he’s excited to bring the ’02 Camaro back to California while also aiding the family of an Illinois officer.