The village’s Police Department has been awarded first place in a nationwide traffic-safety contest by International Association of Chiefs.
In winning the Chiefs Challenge Award, the 67-officer department was recognized for designing and practicing creative and innovative programs that educate the public and reduce highway deaths and injuries.
In the 51- to 100-sworn personnel category, which included more than 30 departments from around the country, Buffalo Grove scored a 96.5 out of 100, more than four points higher than the Cary, N.C., Police Department.
The association commended the Buffalo Grove department for its 180 percent increase in drunken-driving arrests during the 1994 competition period of October through December. Within that period, officers made 166 drunken-driving arrests, said Buffalo Grove Traffic Supervisor Sgt. Jamie Dunne.
The association also noted Buffalo Grove’s holiday coloring contest, in which fliers showed snowmen wearing seat belts, and the department’s Stay Buckled Up fliers attached to pizza boxes and floral deliveries during the holidays.