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

Consensus for power supply solution still elusive

Consensus for power supply solution still elusive

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Rapid expansion of data centers in the mid-Atlantic region has leaves its power grid’s operator, PJM,...
Digitization of aviation supply chain an opportunity to ascend out of 1950s

Digitization of aviation supply chain an opportunity to ascend out of 1950s

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Moving passengers and cargo through the air is heavily regulated and significantly ties efficiency to expense. “As currently postured,” says U.S. Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C.,...
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning.2

Zoning Cases in Crete and Manhattan Townships Postponed to December 16

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:Two zoning cases, one in Crete Township and another in Manhattan Township, were postponed by the Will County...
Will County P&Z Logo Planning Zoning

Will County Commission Approves New Lenox Variances, Overriding Staff’s Denial Recommendation

Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | November 18, 2025 Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved three variances for a 5.02-acre property in New Lenox Township,...
'Classic impasse' for Chicago aldermen debating proposed taxes, spending cuts

‘Classic impasse’ for Chicago aldermen debating proposed taxes, spending cuts

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pushing for state help in funding the city’s budget, but a city...
Screenshot 2025-11-21 at 10.19.14 AM

Lincoln-Way 210 Board Approves Tentative 2025 Tax Levy with 4.57% Increase

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education unanimously approved a tentative property tax levy for...
Texas authorities arrest men for violent crimes after illegally entering as minors

Texas authorities arrest men for violent crimes after illegally entering as minors

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Authorities in Texas continue to arrest violent men in major cities years after they illegally entered the country as unaccompanied minors. They’re also continuing to...
WATCH: Gun ban cases and the Supreme Court; English and CDLs; Don Tracy eyes Senate

WATCH: Gun ban cases and the Supreme Court; English and CDLs; Don Tracy eyes Senate

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop discusses the status...
Illinois quick hits: Madigan disbarred; taxpayers subsidize medical debt relief

Illinois quick hits: Madigan disbarred; taxpayers subsidize medical debt relief

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Madigan disbarred Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is no longer licensed to practice law in the Land of Lincoln. The...
Screenshot 2025-11-19 at 9.30.24 AM

Will County Executive Committee to Hash Out Budget Cuts Following Levy Reduction

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | November 13, 2025 Article Summary: Following a Finance Committee vote to reduce the proposed 2026 property tax levy increase, Will County Board leaders on...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Township for September 9, 2025

Manhattan Township Meeting | September 9, 2025 During its meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the Manhattan Township Board scheduled a special meeting to establish rules for solar farm development,...
Inflation-adjusted teacher salaries drop despite record spending on public education

Inflation-adjusted teacher salaries drop despite record spending on public education

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new report says structural problems have led to record-high spending on public education in Illinois and...
Illinois quick hits: CDC's autism and vaccines website criticized by IDPH

Illinois quick hits: CDC’s autism and vaccines website criticized by IDPH

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square CDC's autism and vaccines website criticized The Illinois Department of Public Health is criticizing the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and...
IL GOP U.S. Senate candidate says state needs balanced representation

IL GOP U.S. Senate candidate says state needs balanced representation

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Despite having to push through a potentially crowded primary field, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy says...
Wheat price drop brings notable Thanksgiving savings for Illinois families

Wheat price drop brings notable Thanksgiving savings for Illinois families

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois families will see some relief at the Thanksgiving table this year, with the average cost...