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

Illinois news in brief: Chicago police review Illinois Accountability Commission report; Granite City man sentenced for transporting minor in sex assault case; Report finds Illinois' AI careers rank 34th in nation

Illinois news in brief: Chicago police review Illinois Accountability Commission report; Granite City man sentenced for transporting minor in sex assault case; Report finds Illinois’ AI careers rank 34th in nation

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Chicago police review Illinois Accountability Commission report Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is encouraging people whose experiences are described in the...
Service member killed in action; remains found in search for one missing

Service member killed in action; remains found in search for one missing

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Another U.S. service member has been killed following Iranian strikes in the Middle East, as remains were found in the search for a missing military...
Second family welcomes baby boy

Second family welcomes baby boy

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square And the new baby makes six – Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance welcomed a baby boy Sunday morning. The vice president...

Everyday Economics: Falling gas prices helped keep consumers spending

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square Inflation fell more than expected in June. That gave consumers some breathing room, and they kept spending – even if they became more selective about...
Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike

Illinois may bring early warning of toll costs ahead of proposed rate hike

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While Illinois contemplates raising prices on tollways across the state, one state lawmaker wants increased transparency for...
Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns

Illinois senator says True Value move highlights business climate concerns

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois state Sen. Chris Balkema said True Value’s decision to move its headquarters from Chicago to...
Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike

Two services members killed, one missing in Iranian strike

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Two U.S. service members have been killed in action, and one remains missing following an Iranian missile strike in Jordan, U.S. Central Command announced Saturday...
U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships off Alaska coast

U.S. Coast Guard monitors Chinese ships off Alaska coast

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Coast Guard is actively engaged in Arctic defense, monitoring and dealing with potential national security threats posed by Chinese ships. Last summer, the...
Millions celebrate America 250, Sail250 events in key ports

Millions celebrate America 250, Sail250 events in key ports

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Millions of Americans celebrated America 250, Sail250 events in key ports, boarding scores of ships that sailed thousands of nautical miles to celebrate the 250th...
Chicago delays vote on parking meter sale, risks litigation

Chicago delays vote on parking meter sale, risks litigation

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A long-awaited vote from the Chicago City Council to move forward with approving the sale of the...
Hegseth's 'High-T' troop screening mandate comes without cost estimate

Hegseth’s ‘High-T’ troop screening mandate comes without cost estimate

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Department of War is mandating annual testosterone screening for every active-duty and reserve service member age 30 and older, a mandate affecting about 2...
Congressional candidates tackle housing, immigration

Congressional candidates tackle housing, immigration

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Immigration and housing policies will be at the top of voters’ minds in Arizona’s 6th and 9th congressional districts, races that could determine control of...
Senators to examine hospital price transparency legislation

Senators to examine hospital price transparency legislation

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is set to examine a bill next week to require hospitals and insurance companies to display prices for provided services....
Transit bill sponsor ok with recycled board appointments

Transit bill sponsor ok with recycled board appointments

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although recent appointees to the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority already hold seats on current transit boards...
U.S. adds 3.5M businesses despite shaky economy

U.S. adds 3.5M businesses despite shaky economy

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The United States added nearly 3.5 million new businesses in the first half of 2026, breaking previous expectations, according to a new report. Registered Agents...