Buffalo Grove names new deputy police chief, promotes two other officers

Three Buffalo Grove police officers with long and distinguished records with the department were rewarded this week with promotions.

At Monday's village board meeting, former Cmdr. Mike Szos was sworn in as deputy chief; former Sgt. Roy Bethge was sworn in as commander; and former Cpl. Vince Positano was promoted to sergeant.

"They all have outstanding careers," Chief Steven Casstevens said. "They all clearly stepped forward at the right time and have shown themselves to be the right person for the job. Every one of them has terrific experience, a lot of history with the police department, and I look forward to working with all three of them as we move forward into the new era of Buffalo Grove police."

Szos was hired in 1988 as a part-time desk officer. After serving as a full-time community service officer, he was hired as a full-time police officer in 1994. He rose through the ranks to corporal, sergeant and commander, graduating from the FBI National Academy along the way.

He said his new post is a dream come true.

"I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my career," Szos said.

Bethge was hired as a patrol officer in 1989, then served as a crime prevention/community relations officer before moving up to corporal, with duties that eventually included criminal investigation and patrol. He was the village's 2009 Police Officer of the Year, and, that same year, received the Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Award.

"It's an amazing opportunity," he said of his promotion. "It's been an interesting career. It's been a lot of fun, and I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead. Chief Casstevens has got a real clear vision for where we're headed, and I'm very excited to be part of that."

Positano was hired as a community service officer in 1992 and as a patrol officer in 1994. He served as a field training officer, special operations investigator and range master, before being promoted to corporal. He also served as a juvenile investigator and in the patrol division. He was named the village's 2010 Police Officer of the Year.

"It feels great," he said of the promotion. "I've been waiting for this for a very long time. It's a great opportunity. I'm looking forward to it."