WCSO Press Releases

The IL Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP), in partnership with AAA, is coordinating the first ever IL Distracted Driving Awareness Week beginning April 24th through April 28th.  In support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the IL Association of Chiefs of Police asked the IL Governor to support the declaration in an effort to bring attention to the dangers of consequences associated with driving distracted.  Governor Rauner issued the proclamation and both houses passed resolutions in approval.

The partnership between ILACP and AAA is supported by the Illinois State Police, SafetyServe.com, the National Safety Council, the Illinois Insurance Association, and almost 300 law enforcement/fire agencies and supporters from the private sector throughout Illinois.  These agencies will work together during this week to educate motorists on all aspects of distracted driving.  This campaign will also include the enforcement of applicable State distracted driving laws.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 3,477 people were killed and an estimated 391,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers in 2015.  That is a 9% increase in fatalities as compared to 2014. 

During this week-long campaign the Will County Sheriff's Office traffic and patrol divisions will be increasing their enforcement on distracted drivers.  Sheriff Mike Kelley stated, "I am pleased to see that we are working together at the state level to bring this issue to the forefront.  It is an increasing problem on our roadways and hopefully this campaign brings awareness to offenders.  No text message or phone call while driving is worth the risk of endangering your own life, or the life of others.  In an instant, your life can be negatively changed forever."

SafetyServe.com is offering a short Distracted Driving Online Course, at no cost, during Illinois Distracted Driving Awareness Week to those who visit the ILACP Traffic Safety Website:  www.iddaw.org.

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IL STATE CRIME COMMISSION NAMES MIKE KELLEY “SHERIFF OF THE YEAR”

Congratulations to Will County Sheriff, Mike Kelley, for receiving this year’s Sheriff of the Year award from the Illinois State Crime Commission. Sheriff Kelley was notified this past week of this prestigious award and will be recognized at the Commission’s annual “Salute to Those Who Make a Difference” award dinner this June at Drury Lane, Oak Brook Terrace.

In the award notification letter sent to Sheriff Kelley, Jerry Elsner, Executive Director, of the Illinois State Crime Commission asserts that it is the largest organization committed to combating public corruption and strengthening the Illinois criminal justice system in this state. The membership and Board of Directors comprise many of the state’s most influential leaders in government, law enforcement, education, labor, business and in public policy. The record of accomplishments of this organization is unmatched in crime prevention, anti-terrorism, education, youth outreach and in legislative initiatives.

Sheriff Kelley stated, “I am extremely honored to be receiving this award. I feel that it is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment that the entire Sheriff’s Office staff exhibit on a daily basis. I could not be more proud of this department and for the work we have accomplished in the two years that I have been entrusted to lead this office for the citizens of Will County. I would like to thank the Commission and extend my sincere gratitude for this recognition.”
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Yesterday, 3/20/2017, the Will County Sheriff's Office responded to a residence in the area of Oak Avenue and Green Garden, Lockport Township, in reference to an attempted child abduction.  A 15 year old female victim stated to deputies that around 6:30am, while waiting for her bus on Oak Avenue, a smaller sized silver four door vehicle drove up and parked near her.  An older white male, with short gray hair, exited the vehicle, approached her, and grabbed her around the waist.  The man then attempted to pull her into the car.  The victim was able to break free and run home.  

The victim described the vehicle further by stating that it had several large rust spots on it, especially on the trunk, and she did not see a license plate.  The victim stated that she had observed the vehicle near the bus stop on a previous occasion and that the same unknown male had offered her a ride.  The victim was the only person at the bus stop at the time of the incident.  She was not injured. 

Deputies have increased their presence in the area and around area schools. School districts in the area have been notified of the incident.   

The Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help in identifying the vehicle or offender.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Investigation Division at 815-727-8574 or after business hours please call the non-emergency number at 815-727-8575.  

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   As one of the country's most popular holidays, St. Patrick's Day has long celebrated the roots of millions of Americans with Irish ancestry.  But all too often, the celebration can turn deadly because of impaired driving.  This year, if you'll be drinking alcohol, the Will County Sheriff's Office has some advice:  "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!"  

 "The Will County Sheriff's Office will be on patrol this St. Pat's Day, so make sure you obey the law," said Sergeant Kyle Lakomiak.  "Don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends do it either.  Help us make zero fatalities a reality in Illinois."

  In addition to looking for alcohol and drug impaired drivers, the Sheriff's office will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest.  

  Sgt. Lakomiak also advises to always designate a sober driver before you leave your home or take everyones keys who are attending a party at a residence. These simple steps can help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest.

  Other tips include:  Serve plenty of food;  Keep phone numbers for cab companies handy or put an Uber App on your phone and use it;  Ask a sober friend or call a family member to give you a ride home; If you're at a residence and drink too much, stay there and sleep it off; never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive drunk; and always buckle up!

  The St. Patrick's Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" crackdown is funded by federal traffic safety funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.   -end-

 Will County Sheriff’s Office K9’s Sem and Roxy have both received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9’s, INC. Sem’s vest is sponsored by an anonymous donor and embroidered with the sentiment, “The gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9’s INC”. Roxy’s vest is sponsored by direct mail donations and will be embroidered with the sentiment, “In memory of K9 Rocco Pittsburgh Bureau of Police”.

Will County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Robert Denny, who is Roxy’s handler, stated, “We appreciate the added level of protection the vests give Roxy and Sem. They are often the first ones to encounter an individual and if they were to try to injure the dogs they now have a better chance of not sustaining life threatening injuries. I am grateful that an organization exists and so diligently works at protecting our K9 partners.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,100 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 1.9 million dollars. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.

Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley stated, “We are very grateful for this generous donation in protecting the safety of our K9’s.  Since Roxy and Sem have joined our department in June of 2015, they has proven invaluable in our continued fight to take drugs off our streets.”     

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.  The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050.00. Each vest has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.     

*PHOTOS ATTACHED

#1 PHOTO - Roxy     #2 PHOTO - Sem

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Over the past few weeks, the Will County Sheriff's Office has taken several reports from residents regarding phone calls stating that the resident has a warrant out for their arrest.  The caller identifies himself as a police officer from the Sheriff's department and informs the person that a warrant was issued for failing to appear for jury duty.  The resident is then directed to another phone number in order to arrange for money.  The phone number used by these callers has been reported at 815-524-1209.  This phone number is NOT associated with the Will County Sheriff's Office.  Residents who have filed reports have also stated that a name like 'Lieutenant Taylor or Lieutenant Tatum' has been used during the call.

The Sheriff's Office is reminding residents that they DO NOT conduct business over the phone.  They do not call to inform any individual that they have a warrant for their arrest.  All active Will County warrants can be verified by visiting www.willcountywarrants.com.

If you receive a phone call from these individuals, just hang up!  You can make a report to the Sheriff's office by calling 815-727-8575 or visit the website at www.willcosheriff.org and complete an on-line report.   -end-