Buffalo Grove Police Deputy Chief retires after 34 years
Deputy Chief Szos began his law enforcement career with Buffalo Grove in 1988 as a Desk Officer, then Community Service Officer, before being sworn in as a Police Officer in 1994. He made his way through the ranks, including Corporal (2000), Sergeant (2003) and Commander (2011), before becoming Deputy Chief in 2014.
Deputy Chief Szos has been a most valued member of the agency, focusing his knowledge and experience in many areas throughout his career. He has served as a Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Special Operations Investigator, CALEA Accreditation Manager and Public Information Officer.
During his commendable career, Deputy Chief Szos has 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).
“It’s been an honor to serve the residents of Buffalo Grove for the past 34 years,” Szos said. “The relationships and experiences I’ve had throughout my career are invaluable.”
Deputy Chief 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,” said Police Chief Brian Budds. “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.”