La Grange Police Chief Retiring Next Month

LA GRANGE, IL — La Grange Police Chief Kurt Bluder is retiring Jan. 9 after three years and one day in the job, the village announced this week.

Before taking the helm, Bluder was the chief of the Downers Grove Police Department, where he served 29 years.

Bluder's retirement was announced at Monday's Village Board meeting, where officials praised his service and adopted a resolution in his honor.

Village President Mark Kuchler, who was a trustee before he was appointed president last spring, said he was on the search committee that hired Bluder.

"He was clearly the top choice," Kuchler said during the board's virtual meeting. "He had experience and shared our values. There has not been a day since our decision that I have doubted our decision."

Kuchler said he learned a lot about leadership and how to handle emotionally charged situations from the chief.

"During the summer, there were protests. Chief Bluder met with the organizers, de-escalated the situation and successfully communicated that the village wanted to have their voices be heard while maintaining a peaceful, safe event," Kuchler said.

In a public statement in early June, Bluder said he was angered about the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which sparked the nationwide Black Lives Matter demonstrations.

"I want to assure you that every police officer and every police chief I have spoken with is angered, shocked and saddened by the senseless death of George Floyd," Bluder said in the statement. "There is no justification for what occurred."

At the meeting, Trustee Bill Holder was among the trustees complimenting the chief.

"You took a department that was running well and have managed through your years of experience and skills to make it that much better," Holder said. "It's not only run better, but it's set up better."

In response to the praise, Bluder said, "Thank you for all the positive comments."