A loyal public servant, exemplary man: O’Fallon Alderman Kevin Hagarty remembered

On the evening he died, Alderman Kevin Hagarty contacted Public Works Director Jeff Taylor about helping a resident with a stormwater drainage problem, and then conferred with a city attorney 30 minutes later — all while he was on vacation in Florida with family and friends.

Hagarty, 54, who had represented Ward 3 since 2011, died from natural causes Wednesday, March 30. At press time, funeral arrangements were pending.

Mayor Herb Roach shared that example during the O’Fallon City Council meeting Monday, April 4, to emphasize how dedicated Hagarty was to the community.

“He loved this city. He took his role extremely seriously,” Roach said. “He took the time to listen to anybody ... He was one tremendous individual. He served with honor and professionalism. He showed respect and empathy for everyone.”

Roach said they were friends, golfing buddies, and had been elected as aldermen in the same year.

“He will be missed but not forgotten,” he said, overcome with emotion.

Since the news broke Thursday, March 31, residents and city officials alike have remarked how much they will miss him and what a dedicated public servant and a caring, kind person he was.

Alderman Roy Carney, who was elected to represent Ward 3 in April 2021, said he admired Hagarty’s commitment.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who was as dedicated to his children, family, and the city of O’Fallon. Kevin was always there for the people of Ward 3,” Carney said. “I can’t tell you the number of times Kevin called, saying we needed to help a resident of our ward. I will miss his friendship, his smile and that laugh was contagious. Rest in peace.”

The mayor also mentioned Hagarty’s “infectious laugh.”

“He loved to laugh. He loved to have fun,” Roach said. “He loved what we were working on for the city. There are so many things that Kevin did to promote our city and make it better for all of us. Besides his leadership on the city council, he also served on the City Fest Committee since the beginning and was active with the O’Fallon Moose and so many other groups and activities,” he said.

City Clerk Jerry Mouser, who previously served as an alderman in Ward 3, described Hagarty as “an honest man.” Ward 7 Alderman Nathan Parchman said he was a “good mentor” and “hard worker.”

Ward 7 Alderman Dan Witt said Hagarty inspired him to run for alderman in 2017.

“I am going to miss him,” Witt said.

A resident at the council meeting joined in the tributes: “We did not always see eye to eye, but there was no doubt he loved O’Fallon ... If you called him, you got the feeling that he’d take care of it. He represented the city well.”

McKendree University, juvenile corrections officer

Hagarty had served as the chairman of the council’s public safety committee and on the finance committee. He had earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from McKendree University in 1990, with a minor in psychology.

After graduation, he worked as a juvenile corrections officer in the Juvenile Detention Center, and then later as a supervisor in the probation department for the Illinois 20th District Circuit Court that presides over Monroe, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, and Washington counties.

Police Chief Kirk Brueggeman said Hagarty was a faithful public servant and a strong supporter of public safety.

“We were all shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. As committee chairperson, we could always count on him to keep the safety and security of O’Fallon citizens in the forefront,” Brueggeman said.

“Having a background in law enforcement, he understood our profession and how difficult it can be to fulfill our mission. While we will miss his leadership and friendship, we are grateful for his dedicated service to our community,” he said.

More about the late Kevin Hagarty

Originally from Belleville, Hagarty — whose nickname was “Hags” — was the youngest son in a family of nine boys. He graduated from Belleville East High School in 1986 and attended McKendree University on a baseball scholarship.

In 2000, he moved to O’Fallon and became involved in the community. He was vice president of the O’Fallon Boosters Club, treasurer of the O’Fallon Moose Lodge 2608, and belonged to the Fraternal Order of Police Metro East Lodge 262, Shiloh Eagles Aerie 545, Knights of Columbus Council 4239, and the Kaskaskia Mariner’s Association.

He is survived by a son, Garrett, who attends Indiana University, and a daughter, Bridget, a student at O’Fallon Township High School.

This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 12:26 PM.