Hoffman Estates chief critical of officer's Stroger snub

Hoffman Estates Police Chief Clinton Herdegen said he's spoken with Officer Vince Pusateri about last week's snub of Cook County President Todd Stroger.

But Herdegen declined to say anything more about the discussion or whether any disciplinary action was taken or is forthcoming.

"I'm not going to get into details about the discussion," he said.

Pusateri made news last week when he refused to shake Stroger's hand during a county-sponsored Homeland Security drill in Hoffman Estates. Stroger was being introduced to officers working the scene, but Pusateri politely told Stroger he wasn't pleased with how Stroger was running the county.

Critics of the county sales-tax hike and of Stroger's leadership praised Pusateri with comments on dailyherald.com. They lauded him for "standing up to Stroger."

But Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod, who witnessed the snub, called Pusateri's reaction "boorish," which prompted many readers to criticize McLeod, while others praised him.

Village Manager James Norris and Herdegen support McLeod's comments.

"Obviously, police officers have the right to voice opinions just like any citizens," Herdegen said. "But not while we're on duty, while we're wearing our uniforms; not while we're representing our village."

Norris and Herdegen said the issue has little to do with freedom of speech, but about respect and properly representing the community. Without referring to Pusateri by name, Herdegen said his reaction would be different if the actions occurred off the clock. Herdegen said all officers should know they're to hold themselves to "a higher standard of conduct."

"In these situations our police officers shouldn't be addressing personal opinions or political agendas," he said.

Norris said a good relationship between the village and the county is essential, as county money is needed to complete projects that benefit the village. He singled out the long-discussed, $4.5 million plan to straighten out Shoe Factory Road on the village's west side. The road is maintained by Cook County.

"Officer Pusateri took it upon himself to hurt that relationship," Norris said.

Pusateri is a 24-year veteran of the department and serves as one of the village's DARE officers. The village board recognized his service to the village with "Vince Pusateri Day" proclaimed on Jan. 5, 2004, which was near his 20th anniversary working for the village.

"He's a fine officer," Herdegen said.

Pusateri remained unavailable for comment Monday and Hoffman Estates police union President Flo Williams could not be reached. She was next to Pusateri during the handshake snub and shook Stroger's hand moments before.

Stroger spokesman Gene Mullins couldn't be reached for comment Monday.