WCSO Press Releases

Will County Sheriff Mike Kelley, Undersheriff Robert Contro, and SOG Team Leader, Sgt. Nathaniel Freeman attended a check presentation at Firehouse Subs, 1522 IL Route 59 in Joliet on Friday, January 8, 2016.  Owner and Operators William, Christine, Kayla, and Will Vanderbilt presented a $200 check to the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group (SOG) after they sponsored a fundraiser at their store back on October 25th.  Firehouse Subs provides area public safety agencies with extra funding in order to purchase needed items not covered in agency budgets.  15% of all orders taken on that day went to benefit the Sheriff’s Office.  Proceeds from this event will go to purchase educational materials to be distributed at Will County Sheriff’s Office community events. 

Thank you to the Vanderbilt Family and Firehouse Subs for their community outreach and support!   -end-

It has come to the attention of the Will County Sheriff’s Office that area residents are receiving phone calls from a private firm who represents the Deputies Union FOP #738.  The Sheriff’s Office would like to make it clear to residents that the Sheriff’s Office does not solicit funds over the phone or solicit in any other manner.  Currently, the Will County Sheriff’s Office is solely funded through grants and with tax dollars set in a budget by the Will County Board.  No funds collected by the Deputies Union go back to the Sheriff’s Office to pay for their programs or operating expenses.   

According to the Deputies Union, funds that are collected thru solicitations go to various area charities.  For more information on the Deputies Union #738 please visit www.wcspunion.com. 

-end-

Will County Sheriff's deputies responded to a Mills Road residence in Joliet Township around 10:20pm on Christmas Eve.  Upon arrival deputies spoke with the residents who stated that while they were away from the home visiting family, person/s unknown kicked open the back door and burglarized the home.  The residents, a 7 year old girl and her parents, were devastated and informed deputies that the offenders had unwrapped all of the presents under the Christmas tree and stole them, which included clothing for their daughter.  Also stolen in the burglary was an Xbox gaming system, a 32"TV, a laptop and several pieces of gold jewelry that were already in the home. 

While deputies were processing the scene, Deputy Michael Kane spoke with the 7 year old who was very distraught by the theft of the Christmas gifts.   Deputy Kane, along with Deputy Brett Farmer and Deputy Mark Tapella, then decided that they had to do something for this little girl.  They contacted other on-duty deputies to inform them of what had happened to this family and their Christmas gifts.  The word quickly spread and a collection was started with two deputies assigned to 'special detail' to organize the affair.  On-duty deputies stepped up for the cause to cover calls  for service within the county.  Less than two hours later $600 was collected from 16 deputies and they were ready to save this families Christmas.

Being after 11pm and Christmas Eve, no local merchandise stores were open so a decision was made to go to Walgreens on Rt. 30 in New Lenox.  Deputies arrived at the store and purchased toys, merchandise, and gift cards for the family.  During their shopping trip they spoke with a Walgreens employee who provided 'employee discounts' for the entire purchase.  Deputies also encountered three random citizens shopping in the store who asked about the police presence.  When they heard the story each gladly chipped in $20.

When all the gifts were bought, deputies headed to the Sheriff's Office where the gifts were quickly wrapped.  Around 1am deputies returned to the Mills Road home and delivered the gifts to a smiling and thankful family.    When asked about the events of the evening, Deputy Kane stated, "I think seeing the little girl's reaction reminded us of why we chose this career...to help people."

-end- 

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Will County Sheriff's deputies responded to a Mills Road residence in Joliet Township around 10:20pm on Christmas Eve.  Upon arrival deputies spoke with the residents who stated that while they were away from the home visiting family, person/s unknown kicked open the back door and burglarized the home.  The residents, a 7 year old girl and her parents, were devastated and informed deputies that the offenders had unwrapped all of the presents under the Christmas tree and stole them, which included clothing for their daughter.  Also stolen in the burglary was an Xbox gaming system, a 32"TV, a laptop and several pieces of gold jewelry that were already in the home. 

While deputies were processing the scene, Deputy Michael Kane spoke with the 7 year old who was very distraught by the theft of the Christmas gifts.   Deputy Kane, along with Deputy Brett Farmer and Deputy Mark Tapella, then decided that they had to do something for this little girl.  They contacted other on-duty deputies to inform them of what had happened to this family and their Christmas gifts.  The word quickly spread and a collection was started with two deputies assigned to 'special detail' to organize the affair.  On-duty deputies stepped up for the cause to cover calls  for service within the county.  Less than two hours later $600 was collected from 16 deputies and they were ready to save this families Christmas.

Being after 11pm and Christmas Eve, no local merchandise stores were open so a decision was made to go to Walgreens on Rt. 30 in New Lenox.  Deputies arrived at the store and purchased toys, merchandise, and gift cards for the family.  During their shopping trip they spoke with a Walgreens employee who provided 'employee discounts' for the entire purchase.  Deputies also encountered three random citizens shopping in the store who asked about the police presence.  When they heard the story each gladly chipped in $20.

When all the gifts were bought, deputies headed to the Sheriff's Office where the gifts were quickly wrapped.  Around 1am deputies returned to the Mills Road home and delivered the gifts to a smiling and thankful family.    When asked about the events of the evening, Deputy Kane stated, "I think seeing the little girl's reaction reminded us of why we chose this career...to help people."

-end- 

Will County Sheriff's deputies responded to a Mills Road residence in Joliet Township around 10:20pm on Christmas Eve.  Upon arrival deputies spoke with the residents who stated that while they were away from the home visiting family, person/s unknown kicked open the back door and burglarized the home.  The residents, a 7 year old girl and her parents, were devastated and informed deputies that the offenders had unwrapped all of the presents under the Christmas tree and stole them, which included clothing for their daughter.  Also stolen in the burglary was an Xbox gaming system, a 32"TV, a laptop and several pieces of gold jewelry that were already in the home. 

While deputies were processing the scene, Deputy Michael Kane spoke with the 7 year old who was very distraught by the theft of the Christmas gifts.   Deputy Kane, along with Deputy Brett Farmer and Deputy Mark Tapella, then decided that they had to do something for this little girl.  They contacted other on-duty deputies to inform them of what had happened to this family and their Christmas gifts.  The word quickly spread and a collection was started with two deputies assigned to 'special detail' to organize the affair.  On-duty deputies stepped up for the cause to cover calls  for service within the county.  Less than two hours later $600 was collected from 16 deputies and they were ready to save this families Christmas.

Being after 11pm and Christmas Eve, no local merchandise stores were open so a decision was made to go to Walgreens on Rt. 30 in New Lenox.  Deputies arrived at the store and purchased toys, merchandise, and gift cards for the family.  During their shopping trip they spoke with a Walgreens employee who provided 'employee discounts' for the entire purchase.  Deputies also encountered three random citizens shopping in the store who asked about the police presence.  When they heard the story each gladly chipped in $20.

When all the gifts were bought, deputies headed to the Sheriff's Office where the gifts were quickly wrapped.  Around 1am deputies returned to the Mills Road home and delivered the gifts to a smiling and thankful family.    When asked about the events of the evening, Deputy Kane stated, "I think seeing the little girl's reaction reminded us of why we chose this career...to help people."

-end- 

– Target in New Lenox

This year the Will County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group (SOG) was honored to be able to participate in the Heroes and Helpers program at the Target in New Lenox on Sunday, December 13^th.  Target reached out to the Special Operations Group with a grant of $1500 and the opportunity to brighten this Christmas for up to 25 children.  With $500 donations from the F.O.P. union and M.A.P. union, SOG was able to arrange for 25 children to have $100 to come out and shop with a member of SOG.  Morningstar Mission in Joliet coordinated the selection of the children and worked directly with the Sheriff’s Office for this event.  These 25 were selected from those who were not able to be a part of the Shop With A Sheriff that was held on December 5^th .   It was an amazing time to serve the community and watch the faces of the kids light up this Christmas season.

For more photos, please check out our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/WillCountySheriff/

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