Longtime Buffalo Grove police leader retires after 34-year career

Buffalo Grove Deputy Police Chief Michael Szos retired Tuesday, ending a 34-year law enforcement career that saw him tackle nearly every assignment in the department.

Szos is the second longtime Buffalo Grove police leader to hang up his gun and badge in recent months. In November, it was former Chief Steve Casstevens after 46 years in law enforcement, the final nine as Buffalo Grove's top cop.

"It's been an honor to serve the residents of Buffalo Grove for the past 34 years," Szos said in an announcement of his retirement. "The relationships and experiences I've had throughout my career are invaluable."

Szos began his career with Buffalo Grove in 1988 as a desk officer. He would go on to serve as a community service officer, before being sworn in as a police officer in 1994. From there, he made his way through the ranks, being promoted to corporal in 2000, sergeant in 2003 and commander in 2011, before being named deputy chief in 2014.

Over his career he served as a field training officer, firearms instructor, special operations investigator, CALEA accreditation manager and public information officer. He earned awards including multiple Illinois Department of Transportation "Top Cop" wards for DUI enforcement (2000 and 2001), AMVETS Scott Fitzgerald Special Commendation Award for Exceptional Service (2001), Cook County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Award of Merit for Outstanding Services and Professionalism (2002), Northwestern University Center for Public Safety's Public Safety Leadership Award (2013) and an Outstanding Achievement Award (2018).

Szos has a master's degree in public administration from DePaul University and is a graduate of the 252nd session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He recently attended the Harvard University Kennedy School's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.

"Deputy Chief Szos is a respected and accomplished leader both in the organization and Buffalo Grove community," Police Chief Brian Budds said. "He has been instrumental in making the Buffalo Grove Police Department what it is today, and I'm grateful for his dedicated service all these years."