Buffalo Grove officers receive special commendations

Two veteran Buffalo Grove police officers have been honored for their outstanding performance and contributions.

The recipient of the 2009 Employee of the Year Award is Sgt. Roy H. Bethge.

Bethge, a 20-year veteran of the Buffalo Grove Police Department, has held assignments including patrol officer, crime prevention officer, technical services officer, investigator, patrol sergeant and his current position of patrol operations sergeant.

Bethge spent several years assigned to the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Services Team as both a team member and leader. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in March 2007.

During his career, Bethge has been involved with the Boys Scouts of America Explorer Program, the Illinois Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House Children's Charities and The Connie Sizer Foundation. He was recognized by Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists as a Top Cop in 2002 for his DUI enforcement efforts.

The recipient of the 2009 Special Commendation Award is officer Bob Pakaski.

Pakaski is a 24-year veteran of the police department. He has worked in the Patrol Division as a street officer and corporal, and in the Investigations Unit as the Buffalo Grove High School liaison officer. He holds state certifications as a juvenile officer, field training officer and truck enforcement specialist.

On Dec. 17, 2009, Pakaski successfully apprehended a serial bank robber. After the offender was turned over to the FBI, an investigation linked him to five bank robberies across two counties.

Pakaski has a bachelor's degree in sociology with teacher certification, and a master's degree in special education. He taught in an alternative high school program for 13 years and is currently a substitute teacher for Northwest Suburban High School District 214.

These employees were nominated for these awards by a committee of their peers.

The awards were presented at the Buffalo Grove village board meeting.