Buffalo Grove Police Deputy Chief Retires After 34 Years

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — In a law enforcement career that began as a desk officer with the Buffalo Grove Police Department in 1988, Deputy Chief Michael Szos has moved up the ranks. The 34-year department veteran, who retired Tuesday, was also a community service officer before swearing in as a police officer in 1994.

Szos was also a corporal, sergeant and commander, before settling into his final role in 2014.

"It's been an honor to serve the residents of Buffalo Grove for the past 34 years," Szos said in a statement from the Village of Buffalo Grove. "The relationships and experiences I've had throughout my career are invaluable."

According to the Village, Szos focused his knowledge and experience in many areas throughout his career, including serving as field training officer, firearms instructor, special operations investigator, CALEA accreditation manager and public information officer.

Szos has also earned numerous awards including multiple IDOT ‘Top Cop’ Awards for DUI enforcement (2000 and 2001), AMVETS Scott Fitzgerald Special Commendation Award for Exceptional Service (2001), Cook County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Award of Merit for Outstanding Services and Professionalism (2002), Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s Public Safety Leadership Award (2013) and an Outstanding Achievement Award (2018).

Szos has a master’s degree in public administration from DePaul University and is a graduate of the 252nd session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He attended Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command and the Executive Management Program. He is a CALEA Accreditation Assessor, Certified Eligible Police Chief through the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and recently attended the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.

"Deputy Chief Szos is a respected and accomplished leader both in the organization and Buffalo Grove community," Police Chief Brian Budds said. "He has been instrumental in making the Buffalo Grove Police Department what it is today, and I’m grateful for his dedicated service all these years."