Bero improving after medical emergency

Island Lake Police Chief Don Bero remained hospitalized Thursday after a medical emergency but he is improving, Mayor Charles Amrich said.

"He's off the respirator and he's breathing on his own," Amrich said.

Bero, 67, has been awake and talking, too, Amrich said.

"He's not out of the woods, but he's making progress," Amrich said.

Bero collapsed Monday night at his Wauconda home. He may have suffered a brain aneurysm, village officials said.

Bero initially was taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Barrington. After arriving at Good Shepherd, he was flown by emergency helicopter to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, where he remains.

A hospital spokeswoman declined to release any information about Bero's condition Thursday, citing federal privacy regulations.

Deputy Chief David Walz has taken over as acting chief.

Bero was appointed Island Lake's police chief in May 2013. He also served as the village's top cop from 2003 to 2005.