Police Sergeant Edward Broché officially retired from the Western Springs Police Department on Tuesday, after two and a half decades working as part of the local force and playing an integral part in consistently keeping the WSPD moving forward, even ahead of other local departments.

Broché first joined the WSPD in 1987 as a young auxiliary officer, and became a sworn member of the Department in 1989. He move to the WSPD’s investigations department in 1995 and was promoted to patrol sergeant in 1999.

During his tenure, Broché also served as Traffic Enforcement Grant Coordinator and Recruitment Team Coordinator for the Department. He was also a major player in launching the Peer Jury program in 1997, building it from the ground up and maintaining it as it has grown in popularity and effectiveness.

Deputy Chief of Police Brian Budds said Broché was also instrumental in keeping the WSPD’s equipment and technology ahead of the curve.

“He definitely brought the police department to another level long before any other departments even thought about it at the time,” Budds said. “He had a unique way of discovering different technologies that were out there; he was always scanning the environment to see what was available to law enforcement, to make our jobs easier and more effective.”

While Broché was offered a more public celebration of his 20+ of service, he instead opted for a small ceremony with family on Wednesday at Village Hall.

“We wish him well in his retirement,” Budds said. “He has a lot of skills and abilities to apply in any field that he chooses, and we wish him the best… I have no doubt he’s going to find something, a niche that that he’s going to be very effective and happy with.”