WCSO Press Releases

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/

Full story »

– 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/

– 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/

On Thursday, November 12th, Will County Sheriff's deputies, who police Homer Glen, chipped in to help the "Be Their Guide. Don't Provide" campaign that targets parents of high school students at Lockport Township High School.  Chestnut Health Systems, funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHA), was issued a grant to deliver this message to area parents.  The campaign seeks to lower the rate of underage drinking by targeting the risk factors of parents/adults who provide alcohol to youth, along with parents/adults not setting clear rules and messages regarding disapproval of underage drinking.

Throughout the campaign emails will be sent with the "Be Their Guide. Don't Provide" message and information, along with brochures, ink pens, and note pads that will be distributed to parents during Lockport High School parent involved school events.  Radio ads have also been completed and are being aired on local radio stations and Sheriff's Office deputies were asked to distribute posters in their policing community.  Sheriff's deputies accompanied Cherry Powell, Prevention Coordinator and intern Jessica Olson, both of Chestnut Health Systems, in delivering posters to 15 Homer Glen businesses.  Businesses targeted were those who sold alcohol and those who serve numerous daily customers.  -end-

Full story »