Buffalo Grove, ILBuffalo Grove

The Buffalo Grove Police Department (BGPD) is pleased to announce the recent promotions of three dedicated members to the prestigious rank of Commander. Thomas Nugent, Tara Anderson and Anthony Turano were officially sworn in by Police Chief Brian Budds during the January 2 Village Board meeting.

 

These promotions mark a significant milestone as the department undergoes restructuring, creating the command level. The newly appointed Commanders bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of service to the Buffalo Grove community.

 

Commander Thomas Nugent, with an impressive 34-year tenure with the Buffalo Grove Police Department, has ascended through the ranks since joining the Department as a Police Officer in 1989. Throughout his distinguished career,Commander Nugent has served in various capacities,including Patrol Officer (1989-1992), Investigator (1992-1997),Technical Services Specialist (1997-1999), Traffic Motorcycle Officer (2000-2001), Investigations Sergeant (2003-2012),Administrative Services Lieutenant (2015-2018) and Investigations Lieutenant (2023-present). He also served as a Lake County Major Crime Task Force (LCMCTF) Investigator/Supervisor (2008-2012) and is currently an Assistant Commander with the Task Force (2016-Present).

 

His achievements include accolades such as the Outstanding Achievement Award (2015 and 2022), Honor Mentions (2022, 2015, 1995), Employee of the Quarter (2013), Cook County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Award of Merit (1996), Life Saving Award (1996) and a Village Commendation (1995). Nugent also received a Special Recognition by the LCMTF (2023), completed the Northwestern University Executive Management Program and participated in the FBI Executive Fellowship Program (FBI Headquarters).

 

Commander Tara Anderson, with 23 years of service, has proven herself as a committed and accomplished leader. Beginning as a desk officer in 2000, she was sworn in as Police Officer in 2001 and has risen through the ranks since.She served as Youth Investigator (2007-2014) prior to being promoted to Administrative Services Sergeant (2014-2015)and then again to Staff Support Lieutenant (2020-2022).

 

Commander Anderson has been recognized with awards such as the ILACP Rising Shields Award (2017), Employee of the Quarter (2004, 2012, 2013) and an Honorable Mention(2009). She is a recipient of the prestigious Northwestern University Public Safety Executive Leadership Award (2021) and is an ILACP Certified Eligible Police Chief in 2019.

Commander Anthony Turano, a seasoned officer with 17 years of service, has demonstrated exemplary dedication to the BGPD. Sworn in as a Police Officer in 2006, his career has seen him serve as as an Investigator (2009-2010), a Directed Patrol Officer (2015-2020) and Administrative Sergeant (2022-2023). He was promoted to Sergeant (2000) and became Acting Lieutenant in October 2023. He was a member of NIPAS Mobile Field Force (2012-2017) and a member of the Lake County Major Crime Task Force (2018-2020).

 

Commander Turano's outstanding contributions have earned him accolades, including Employee of the Quarter (2007), several Life Saving Awards (2017, 2018, 2022), Honorable Mentions (2013, 2016) and the Department’s Officer of the Year (2015). He has also completed the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

 

“Congratulations to our new Commanders on their well-deserved promotions,” said Chief Brian Budds. “Their leadership and commitment to public safety will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and excellence of the Department.”

 

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