New Downers Grove Police Chief Appointed

Deputy chief Kurt Bluder has been appointed the chief of police for the Village of Downers Grove, effective immediately, village manager David Fieldman announced Monday.

Since Bluder joined the police department in Jan. 1989, he has served as patrol sergeant, training sergeant, administrative lieutenant, operations deputy chief and administrative deputy chief, according to the village.

He has an Master of Science degree in public safety from Lewis University and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Governors State University.

“As a lifelong resident, I believe our community is exceptional,” Bluder said in a statement. “I look forward to serving the citizens of Downers Grove and continuing the legacy of leadership that has built the department into one of the best in the county.”

Bluder has also also completed executive leadership training at the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia, and the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, according to the village. He has participated in negotiating union contracts, managed department budgets and served as project manager on the consolidation of the Downers Grove and Westmont dispatch centers.

“Chief Bluder’s commitment to professional law enforcement is visible on a daily basis. He has the experience needed to lead the men and women of the Downers Grove Police Department and continue its strong tradition of providing excellent service to the community,” Fieldman said in a statement.

Photo via Facebook.