Buffalo Grove police commander retiring after 43 years on the force

After more than four decades wearing the badge, Buffalo Grove police Cmdr. Jim Newton is retiring effective Thursday, the village announced Monday.

Newton joined the force in July 1976 as a part-time desk officer, and two weeks later was given the position of a full-time community service officer.

He was hired as a sworn police officer in August 1979, promoted to sergeant in 1996, and then to commander in 2003.

Over his 43 years of service, Newton has taken on numerous roles and responsibilities, including as a member of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Services Team, a field operations support group commander and as a patrol commander. His most recent role was as the staff support commander.

"In these challenging times for law enforcement across the country, Jim Newton's tenure of over 43 years is a testimony to his commitment to professional policing, to the men and women of the Police Department, and especially to the members of this community," Chief Steven Casstevens said in the announcement of Newton's retirement. "He will be missed, but his career will serve as an example to all who remain in the service of Buffalo Grove."

Newton received several awards during his career, including being named the village's officer of the year in 1992 and again in 1998. He also received a Life Saving Award, the Cook County Award of Merit three times, the Northwestern University Executive Leadership Award and the Lake County 100 Club Officer of the Year.

Besides his official duties, Newton took part in numerous fundraising efforts for Special Olympics Illinois throughout his career, officials said.