Buffalo Grove deputy chief gets top job in Prospect Hts.

James “Jamie” Dunne, deputy police chief in Buffalo Grove, has been named the new police chief in Prospect Heights.

Dunne will be sworn in at the Feb. 14 city council meeting, Mayor Dolores “Dolly” Vole said Monday night.

“I think he brings a good quality of leadership,” Vole said. “He’s very driven and knows the job. He’s from the area and will be a great chief.”

Dunne has served 30 years in Buffalo Grove, Vole said, and was chosen from about 29 applicants.

Vole said Al Steffen, acting chief in Prospect Heights, might be disappointed, but she thinks all 15 officers on the Prospect Heights force, including Steffen, will be satisfied with the appointment.

Dunne will replace Bruce Morris, who retired abruptly in October after 12 years as chief while the city council was discussing layoffs in the department.

The next month the council laid off six officers in a contentious battle with unions representing the police. Faced with budget shortfalls, the council had instituted furloughs for all employees in July 2009, and a mediator eventually ruled this violated the unions’ contracts.

During Morris’ tenure reduced staffing led him to join officers patrolling the streets. This has meant the police station is closed to the public. Morris had been with the department since it started in 1990.

In other business, Amy Dalessandro, alderman in Ward 3, resigned immediately. She is not able to give the position the time it needs, Vole said. Dalessandro is not on the April 5 ballot.

Robert Scott Williamson is unopposed for that position, Vole said she will appoint him to start early if he is willing.