Bill Golden, a retired officer with the Glenview Police Department, lost his badge in 1987 while he searched a drunk driver's car.
In June, Golden saw the missing badge on eBay, where it had been listed for $250 by a seller in Latvia.
Golden said he did not want to purchase the badge because it was stolen property, but a friend bought it for him as a birthday gift. Golden is now in possession of all three badges he wore during his 30-year career.
He said the only remaining mystery is how the badge made its way to Latvia.