Story posted Thursday, March 18, 2010
Bethge Named Police Dept. Employee Of Year
Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steve Balinski and the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club recently announced two awards being presented to Buffalo Grove police officers for their achievement in performances as employees of the village.
The recipient of the 2009 Employee of the Year Award is Sgt. Roy H. Bethge.
Bethge is a 20-year veteran of the department.
He has held assignments including patrol officer, crime prevention officer, technical services officer, investigator, patrol sergeant and his current position of patrol operations sergeant.
Bethge spent several years assigned to the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System Emergency Services Team as both a team member and team leader. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in March 2007.
During his career, Roy has been involved with the Boys Scouts of America Explorer Program, the Illinois Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House Children's Charities and The Connie Sizer Foundation.
The recipient of the 2009 Special Commendation Award is Officer Bob Pakaski.
Pakaski is a 24-year veteran of the police department. He has worked in the Patrol Division as a street officer and corporal, and in the Investigations Unit as the Buffalo Grove High School liaison officer.
On Dec. 17, 2009 Pakaski successfully apprehended a serial bank robber. After turning over the offender to the FBI, their investigation revealed he was responsible for five bank robberies across two counties.
A committee of their peers nominated these employees for these awards.
The presentation of these awards took place Mar. 8.
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