Prospect Hts. commander now deputy chief

The Prospect Heights Police Department has announced the promotion of Commander Al Steffen to the rank of deputy chief, effective March 26.

Deputy Chief Steffen is a graduate of Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s School of Police Staff and Command as well as the FBI’s National Academy.

Prior to this promotion, Steffen earned his Basic Law Enforcement Certification in 1990 and is a 22-year veteran of the Prospect Heights Police Department, serving in the capacity of patrol officer, detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and commander.

As police commander, he supervised and oversaw patrol and investigative operations in a position that required being able to adapt rapidly to changing economic and organizational challenges, while maintaining good order in the department and providing the best possible services to the City of Prospect Heights.

In 2007, then Detective Sgt. Steffen received the Excellence in Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois Special Agents Association, along with Prospect Heights Detective Mark Porlier, for their work on the cold case homicides of Maria and Jesse Eloiza.

Steffen is looking forward to continuing to serve the City of Prospect Heights and believes that in the position of deputy chief he can continue to develop a sense of community and customer service within the department, that will in turn enhance the stature of the Prospect Heights Police Department and reflect well upon the City of Prospect Heights and its residents.

The promotional ceremony will be held at the regular meeting of the City Council, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 26, in the Council Chambers.