Retiring Bensenville police chief: We changed department's culture

Longtime Bensenville police Chief Frank Kosman reflected on his 34 years of service, the last 16 as chief, Thursday afternoon as he cleaned out the last of his files and emails.

"I've only ever been a Bensenville police officer, and I've had the honor of leading this department for the last 16 years. It's been a good run," Kosman said on his last day on the job. "I've got to say, as I sit here, I'm most proud of the changing culture of our police department to one that is a culture of community policing and service. I believe that is now ingrained into every one of our officers and it shows every day."

Kosman said a recently completed community survey ranked the department "well above the national average for our citizens feeling safe and trusting our officers."

"They gave our department a very high approval rating, and I think that's been a big change from back in the '90s and early 2000s and the problems we had back then," Kosman said.

He was referring to a time when 10 officers were suspended for evading taxes on income they earned while moonlighting for Bensenville Security Services, a private firm officers ran out of the department, and another high-ranking sergeant was charged with one count of felony theft and six counts of official misconduct.

"I take pride in successfully guiding us through the aftermath of that and into the department we are today," he said.

Fire Chief Mike Spain, who has worked alongside Kosman for many years, had high praise for his friend.

"Frank Kosman has been the best police chief I've ever worked with," Spain said Thursday.

"He's extremely cooperative. I can't say enough good about him."

Village Manager Evan Summers said Kosman's "relentless commitment to the residents of Bensenville and their safety is nothing short of inspiring."

Summers said Kosman was lauded in professional circles, achieving the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 accreditation, was elected president of the DuPage Chiefs of Police Association in 2017, and was instrumental in the department's nomination for the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement.

"Most notably, Chief Kosman was a role model and mentor to countless officers, imparting his wisdom and experience to ensure the next generation of officers approaches the job with the same level of compassion and commitment he brought to the job each day," Summers said. "We're grateful for his 34 years of dedicated service and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life."

Kosman said he intends to stay in the area and hopes to continue to serve the community in a smaller role.

"I'm just taking some time to see what options present themselves and I'll find out what God has waiting for me," he said. "I've been very happy with the job I had and being able to serve the Bensenville community for as along as I was able. If there's some small way I can continue doing it in the future, I'd be happy to do that."

He didn't want to elaborate, but Kosman said he also anticipates taking a broader interest in music, besides the polka concertina, which he plays regularly.

Kosman said he was unsure of any plans for the department or who the department's next chief will be, but he praised Deputy Chief Brian Dooley, who is stepping in as interim police chief.

"Dooley will do a wonderful job," Kosman said. "He's ready."