Buffalo Grove Police Take First Place In Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — The Buffalo Grove Police Department earned first place in its division of the 2025-26 Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge, village officials announced.

The department finished first in the Municipal 51-65 Officer category of the statewide competition, which is hosted annually by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

Departments are evaluated on traffic enforcement, safety initiatives and education efforts, along with internal policies related to traffic safety.

"As with all things policing, this is truly a team effort," Police Chief Brian Budds said. "I'm proud of our team’s recognition for keeping our streets safe."

Award Presented At Police Conference

The award was presented during the Midwest Security and Police Conference hosted by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

Buffalo Grove Police Officer Ross Valstyn accepted the honor on behalf of the department.

The Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge is supported through grants from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Illinois Department of Transportation.

The competition is designed as a friendly statewide challenge among law enforcement agencies, with departments grouped into categories based on agency size.