Officers Awarded for DUI Enforcement

The Buffalo Grove Police Department's efforts to keep drunk drivers off the road were recognized in August by the Illinois Department of Transportation/Division of Traffic Safety.

The department's nine top-performing officers in that area have arrested a total of 875 drivers in the village since 2001.

IDOT respresentative John Gomoll praised the department's work during a short ceremony during the Aug. 30 Village Board meeting. He said by stopping impaired drivers, officers are impacting social attitudes and behaviors when it comes to alcohol.

"Everyone asks the question question — 'Could that have been me?'" when drunk drivers make the news, he said. As a result, he said he believes more people are drinking less or using designated drivers. "I'll guarantee you that [the police] changed some attitudes," he said.

In addition, two officers were recognized with IDOT's speed enforcement award, which is given to those who have issued at least 1,000 speeding tickets since the fall of 2006.

"Getting people to slow down has really has an impact on the number of crashes in Buffalo Grove," Sgt. Scott Kristiansen said.

Honorees officers included Frank Horbus, Gregory Hill, Hector De La Paz, Crystal Bowen, Dan Dimeler, Cynthia Bock, Bruce Montgomery, Doug Shipman and Cliff Paul. They received a lapel pin, letter of appreciation from IDOT and a certificate of achievement.