Buffalo Grove police deputy chief to retire in May

After nearly 29 years of service, Buffalo Grove Deputy Police Chief Michael Rodriguez will retire May 2.

Rodriguez joined the department in 1996 as a patrol officer and subsequently served as a criminal investigator, undercover narcotics agent assigned to a state police task force and patrol corporal.

He rose through the ranks to sergeant in 2011, lieutenant in 2016 and, finally, deputy chief of operations in 2022.

He spearheaded initiatives related to traffic safety, crisis response, and community-police relations, while fostering a culture of service and integrity within the department, officials said.

“I am incredibly grateful for the relationships and community partnerships I’ve developed over the course of my career in Buffalo Grove,” Rodriguez said. “The professionalism and sincere passion for community safety that our officers show daily, coupled with the tremendous community support we receive, is what made my time here so enjoyable.”

Rodriguez graduated from the FBI National Academy, went through all three Northwestern University Police Staff and Command leadership programs, and earned a master's degree in law enforcement and justice administration. His honors include a Buffalo Grove police Life-Saving Award and recognition as one of the Rising Shields of Law Enforcement Award from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

“Deputy Chief Rodriguez has been a tremendous leader and mentor whose contributions to our department and the Buffalo Grove community will have a lasting impact,” Buffalo Grove Police Chief Brian Budds said.