Seven things with Wauconda chief Larsson

Wauconda Police Chief Douglas Larsson joined that department last fall, but he's no newcomer when it comes to suburban law enforcement.

He came to Wauconda after spending six years leading the Round Lake Beach police force; before that, he spent 30 years with the Rolling Meadows police department, rising to deputy chief.

But there's more to the 58-year-old Antioch resident than police work. He grew up in the suburbs, has two grown children, loves to hit the links and has a fondness for raw fish.

Here are seven things you might not know about Douglas Larsson.

1. He's a suburban boy: Although born in Ohio, Larsson grew up in Mount Prospect and attended the former Forest View High School in Arlington Heights. His grades were not exactly stellar. "I was in the half of the class that made the top half possible," he joked.

2. He never intended to be a cop: Larsson actually wanted to work in the medical field before he pinned on a badge. If he couldn't be a police officer, he'd like to be a psychologist. "Most every problem that we see in police work has its roots in poor decisions and behaviors that could have been changed," Larsson explained.

3. He worked his way up the ladder: Larsson began his law-enforcement career as a Rolling Meadows police dispatcher as a way to pay for college. When he turned 21, they hired him to be an officer. "I didn't think I would stay in law enforcement, but I discovered I was pretty good at it, and it let me scratch the itch I had to serve in the community," Larsson recalled.

4. He's good in the kitchen: Larsson likes to cook, especially with butter. He's also a fan of ethnic foods, especially sushi.

5. He's a Bogart fan: Larsson's favorite movie is "The Caine Mutiny," a classic Navy drama starring Humphrey Bogart as a tyrannical captain. "It reminds me that a police department is only as effective as its leader," Larsson said. "Most cops want a good chief at the helm."

6. He's met two presidents: Larsson has met both Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, as well as two FBI directors, a Supreme Court justice and other political dignitaries. None were in handcuffs at the time.

7. He'd rather be golfing: Larsson lists golf among his hobbies. "It is the only game you can play outdoors by yourself with a group of people," he said. He's also fond of riding motorcycles, skiing and reading.