Will County Board Graphic.03

Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout Complete, Body Scanner Installed at Juvenile Center

Spread the love

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Facilities Department announced the successful completion of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) building renovations and the installation of a new full-body scanner at the River Valley Justice Center.

Facilities Update Key Points:

  • The VAC buildout at 1300 Copperfield is officially complete, and staff have moved in.

  • A new full-body scanner was successfully installed in the visitation area of the River Valley Justice Center.

  • The Facilities Department completed over 550 work orders in March, averaging $15 per order with a 98% on-time completion rate.

  • Will County met its 100% Demand Response energy reduction goal for peak shaving.

The Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, received an extensive operations update from the Facilities Department, highlighting the completion of a major renovation and significant security upgrades.

Director of Facilities William Fern and Ken Rogalski presented the April 2026 Facilities Update, announcing that the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) buildout at 1300 Copperfield is fully complete. The project included a total roof replacement, glass replacement, and interior space renovations. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently, and staff have officially moved into the owned facility, successfully eliminating another county lease.

Security and safety upgrades were also a major focus for the month. Rogalski reported the successful installation of a new full-body scanner in the visitation area of the River Valley Justice Center (3200 W McDonough St).

“It was like a two-day project. It turned out really good,” Rogalski noted.

Additionally, Life Safety Specialist Aaron Kozlowski has been touring county buildings to update emergency evacuation plans and conduct CPR and AED training. The county’s Finance Department recently completed the life-saving training, and “Stop the Bleed” classes are scheduled to begin soon.

In general maintenance news, the Facilities Department completed over 550 work orders in March, representing over 300 hours of labor. The department maintained a highly efficient average cost of $15.00 per work order and achieved a 98% on-time completion rate. Rogalski also highlighted that the county successfully hit its 100% Demand Response energy reduction goal for summer peak shaving electrical curtailment.

The committee also took a moment to honor Facilities Team member Dan Shields, who recently celebrated his 35th anniversary working for Will County.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: Chiropractor sentenced for fraud; fatal airport shooting investigation

Illinois quick hits: Chiropractor sentenced for fraud; fatal airport shooting investigation

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chiropractor sentenced for fraud A Chicago chiropractor has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for billing a private...
Trump administration ends protected status for Burmese nationals

Trump administration ends protected status for Burmese nationals

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square The Trump administration is ending Temporary Protected Status for Burmese nationals, citing improved governance in the country and planned elections next month. The administration said...
Screenshot 2025-11-21 at 10.19.55 AM

Lincoln-Way 210 Receives Clean Audit, Financial Profile Score Downgraded to ‘Review’

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: Lincoln-Way District 210 received a clean, unmodified opinion for its Fiscal Year 2025 audit, the highest rating possible....
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning.2

Committee Grants Lenox Solar Farm Project Six-Month Variance Extension

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a 180-day extension for variances tied to a commercial...
Trump designates Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organization

Trump designates Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organization

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square President Donald Trump on Monday issued an executive order to begin the process to designate the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Trump did...
Will County Logo Graphic

Speed Limits Lowered in Green Garden and Frankfort Neighborhoods

Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board adopted ordinances to establish new, lower speed limits in specific areas of Green Garden and Frankfort Townships....
Will County Board Graphic.02

Engineering Firm Hired for Gougar Road Bridge Replacement

Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board authorized a $301,000 contract for the design of a new bridge carrying Gougar Road over the Canadian...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Unpermitted Log Cabin and Stage Prompt Rezoning in Beecher

Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board approved a zoning map amendment and variances for a property in Beecher to bring existing unpermitted structures...
OpenAI launches teachers AI tools for classrooms

OpenAI launches teachers AI tools for classrooms

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square OpenAI has introduced a new free version of ChatGPT for teachers, as artificial intelligence continues to grow within education. The new platform offers educators a...
Federal court blocks Trump from dismantling four agencies

Federal court blocks Trump from dismantling four agencies

By Dave MasonThe Center Square A federal court has issued a permanent injunction stopping the Trump administration from dismantling four federal agencies that deal with issues varying from libraries to...
State reps: Pritzker turns 'blind eye' to Chicago’s public safety crisis

State reps: Pritzker turns ‘blind eye’ to Chicago’s public safety crisis

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After Gov. J.B. Pritzker said President Donald Trump was amplifying crime in Chicago, Illinois House Republicans said...
Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; 'Trouble in Toyland' report

Illinois quick hits: Medicaid coverage for parental home visits; ‘Trouble in Toyland’ report

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Medicaid coverage for parental home visits The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has launched new Medicaid coverage of home...
Potential data center in Illinois village raises local concerns

Potential data center in Illinois village raises local concerns

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Residents voice concerns about heavy power use, water demands and the impact of a potential data...
Beef prices could remain high even as Trump removes some tariffs

Beef prices could remain high even as Trump removes some tariffs

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump removed 40% tariffs on Brazilian food products, including beef, but prices could remain elevated for years as the U.S. cattle industry rebuilds....

WATCH: Amid GOP governor candidates, Dabrowski says he knows how to fix Illinois

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Republican candidate for Illinois governor says he has the knowledge of what ails the state and...