The Elk Grove Police Department: 60 Years of Serving

After Elk Grove Village was incorporated on July 17, 1956, policing initially was provided by the Cook County Sheriff's department.

As the village developed, though, it was apparent it needed to provide its own services. A police department was established May 13, 1957. The recently purchased Rudy's Tavern at the southeast corner of Higgins and Arlington Heights roads served as the first station.

A couple of years later, the police department moved to an old house at 780 Tonne Road. There was neither a radio communication service nor holding cell for lawbreakers, who had to be taken to Bensenville.

A March 5, 1959, Daily Herald article reported that because of moving from the former tavern, village police would no longer need to explain to travelers who stopped by on their way to the racetrack that beer was not served at their location.

A later facility at 666 Landmeier Road was shared with the fire department and village clerk. It was cramped from the beginning. By this time, there were 12 Elk Grove Village police officers.

In 1971, the Elk Grove Police Department moved into the new Municipal Center at 901 Wellington Ave. Still in use today, the building has had modifications over the years.

While Elk Grove Police handle the typical suburban issues, some crimes and events reached national notoriety.

In May 1976, Frank and Mary Columbo were brutally slaughtered and their 13-year old son Michael was viciously stabbed at their Elk Grove home. The Columbos' daughter Patty and her boyfriend Frank DeLuca were charged with the horrific murders. Each was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

In May 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 crashed shortly after takeoff from O'Hare International Airport into a field just northeast of Touhy Avenue and Elmhurst Road. All 271 on board were killed along with two people on the ground. This was the nation's worst air disaster.

In September 1982, a 12-year old Elk Grove girl died of cyanide poisoning; there were four other suburban victims and one in Chicago. It was quickly determined that bottles of Tylenol in the area had been laced with cyanide. However, no one was ever charged.

This was the turning point nationally for companies to begin placing seals on their products to lessen the possibility of tampering prior to sale.

The Elk Grove Police Department has maintained a high level of commitment and service. Accreditation by the National Commission on the Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies was first achieved in 1993 and has been renewed ever since. Only 3 percent of the nation's law enforcement agencies have achieved this credential.

The men who have served as chief are Edward Clifford (1957-1963), Harry Jenkins (1963-1978), Fred Engelbrecht (1978-1999), Stephen Schmidt (1999-2016) and Charles Walsh (2016-present).