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Buffalo Grove police chief to retire
Steven Balinski
Updated: December 18, 2012 10:38AM
BUFFALO GROVE — After 36 years with the village, Police Chief Steven Balinski will retire April 2, 2013, it was announced Monday.
Balinski will leave a career that includes work on a host of regional law-enforcement issues, which includes drug enforcement and educational programs, international and national traffic safety and education programs, Lake County underage drinking and prevention programs, crime prevention program, national programs for missing and exploited children and disability awareness through Special Olympics Illinois.
“As the chief of police, I have been both honored and privileged to serve this great community,” Balinski said. He began his career with Buffalo Grove after graduating from Western Illinois University, Macomb, with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement administration. He went on to complete his master’s in public administration at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb. He also graduated from Police Staff and Command School and the Executive Leadership Program at Northwestern University, Evanston.
Balinski has served as the past president of the Lake County Chiefs of Police Association, the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory, and currently serves on the executive board for the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Lake County Major Crime Task Force, Lake County Crash Assistance Team, Suburban Law Enforcement Academy and serves on the Northwest Central Dispatch Communication Center Executive Committee.
“He has made a significant positive mark on the village of Buffalo Grove,” said Village Manager Dane Bragg. “Steve’s professional and personal efforts and his service to the community are second to none.”
Bragg said the village will conduct a nationwide recruitment for Balinski’s replacement.
