Downers Grove Police Chief Announces Retirement From Force

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Longtime Downers Grove Police Chief Kurt Bluder plans to retire his position in early 2018 after more than 30 years with the force. Bluder's final day as police chief is set for January 5, Village Manager David Fieldman announced Wednesday.

Bluder won't have too long to relax after leaving Downers Grove. He is set to start his new role as Police Chief of LaGrange on Jan. 8. Deputy Police Chief Shanon Gillette will assume the title of acting chief of police once Bluder retires.

As his retirement date approaches, Bluder expressed his love for the Village of Downers Grove and its police force. "I've thoroughly enjoyed working with the Village. It's an exceptional organization with exceptional people," he said in an article on the village website.

Bluder started his service to the village as a public works employee in 1985. He later served as deputy chief of police before being promoted to police chief in 2015.

Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully expressed thanks for the many years Bluder dedicated to working for the village and with the police force. He said in a statement, "Chief Bluder and his commitment to professionalism and leadership will most definitely be missed."

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