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.

Today Jun 17
Mostly Sunny
72° 55°

Mostly Sunny

💨 10 to 15 mph 💧 6%

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

December job openings lowest in five years

December job openings lowest in five years

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Despite several quarters of strong GDP growth, job openings continued trending downward in December to an estimated 6.5 million – the lowest number in five...
Siri class action lawsuit greenlit, billions at stake

Siri class action lawsuit greenlit, billions at stake

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square A judge has cleared the way for as many as 3 million Apple device users in Illinois to be included in a...
Illinois Quick Hits: Reward offered in Chicago shooting

Illinois Quick Hits: Reward offered in Chicago shooting

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Cook County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $10,000 for information that leads to the...
frankfort village hall graphic logo.7

New Baseball and Softball Training Facility Approved for Center Road

Frankfort Village Board Meeting | February 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Frankfort Village Board on Monday approved a special use permit for The Launch Pad Chicago, LLC, allowing a new...

WATCH: Senate Dems: ‘We in Illinois need to tax’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Senate Democrats are pushing for higher taxes on digital advertising, billionaires and corporations. At the Illinois...
Illinois senator seeks immediate expulsions for student sexual assault

Illinois senator seeks immediate expulsions for student sexual assault

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois state senator is renewing a push to change state law to require the immediate...
HBO MAX

HBO Max Orders Cop Drama Pilot ‘American Blue’ to Film in Joliet

Article Summary: HBO Max has ordered a pilot for a new police drama titled "American Blue," with production scheduled to begin in Joliet and Chicago this April. Starring Milo Ventimiglia...
A slide from the presentation at the 207U Committee of the Whole meeting detailing finances of the district-photo by Andrea Arens.

Peotone 207U weighs school consolidation, finances, and next steps with public input front and center

By Andrea Arens The Peotone Community Unit School District 207U Board of Education’s Committee of the Whole spent almost three hours discussing short-term consolidation plans, financial realities, and long-range facility...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-sheriff employee ordered to repay $35,000

Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-sheriff employee ordered to repay $35,000

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A judge has ordered a former Cook County Sheriff’s office employee to pay more than $35,000 in...
Screenshot 2026-02-04 at 2.02.55 PM

JJC Administration Proposes Tuition Increase Amidst Future Budget Concerns

JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026 Article Summary: Joliet Junior College (JJC) administration presented a three-year financial plan that relies on a proposed $3 per credit hour tuition...
Will County Board Graphic.03

Will County Public Works Advances $1.9 Million Improvement for Wilmington-Peotone Road

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee has authorized a nearly $2 million contract for Phase I...
frankfort fire district graphic logo.2

District Approves New Firefighter Hire and Updates Fleet Status

Frankfort Fire Protection District Meeting | December 16, 2025 Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District approved the hiring of an additional firefighter to balance shift schedules and provided updates...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Public Library District for Dec. 11, 2025

Frankfort Public Library District Meeting | Dec. 11, 2025 The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees met on Thursday, December 11, 2025, to discuss facility renovations, financial reports, and...
Chicago’s $41 billion financial hole exposes city’s pension crisis

Chicago’s $41 billion financial hole exposes city’s pension crisis

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago finished fiscal year 2024 with a $41.1 billion gap between the money it has available...
Will Dial-A-Ride Service

Will County Public Works: Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Expands to All 24 Townships, Eliminating Borders

Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary:In a major overhaul of county transit, officials presented a quarterly report confirming that the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride...