Buffalo Grove promotes veteran police officer to deputy chief

Buffalo Grove is promoting 25-year law enforcement veteran Tara Anderson as its new deputy chief of police.

Anderson joined the Buffalo Grove Police Department in 2000 as a desk officer, and was sworn in as a police officer in 2001. She was promoted to sergeant in 2014, lieutenant in 2017 and named commander in 2024.

Over the years, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including youth investigator, administrative services sergeant, staff support lieutenant and patrol commander.

“Tara has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, a strong commitment to professional development, and a deep dedication to public service,” Chief Brian Budds said in an announcement of the appointment. “Her promotion is a reflection of her accomplishments, character, and the confidence we have in her ability to help guide the department forward. This is a historic and well-deserved milestone for both Tara and the Village.”

Anderson holds a master’s degree from DePaul University and is a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Command Leadership Institute and Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. She is also a recipient of the Northwestern University Public Safety Executive Leadership Award and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police’s Rising Shields of Law Enforcement Award.

“I’m honored to serve as Buffalo Grove’s next Deputy Chief of Police,” Anderson said Anderson. “I sincerely thank Village Manager (Dane) Bragg, Chief Budds, and the Village Board for their trust and confidence.”