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Special recognition of individuals who responded to the dangerous January 2019 extreme cold.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, on January 29, 30 and 31, 2019, Lake County and the surrounding areas saw record-breaking low temperatures and wind chills, which led to dangerous conditions for everyone in the area; and
WHEREAS, during this three-day event, Lake County leadership made the decision to close many county facilities after a careful evaluation of the dangerous conditions because the safety of community members, employees and jurors outweighed the inconvenience of a minor disruption in services, and
WHEREAS, even though many offices were closed, the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated for the event, bringing together decision makers, command staff and personnel from county departments and agencies to coordinate disaster response plans and activities, and
WHEREAS, the EOC consists of multi-agency team members who play a vital role in disaster response, including: predicting weather and its impacts on life/safety issues, maintaining infrastructure, connecting residents with resources, as well as providing timely and accurate information to communities and partner agencies, and the public; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) maintenance crews worked around the clock to ensure safe travel on roads, and traffic operators and engineers updated Lake County PASSAGE to provide motorists with real-time information needed to navigate local roads; and
WHEREAS, first responders helped residents in need following increased volume of 9-1-1 calls for assistance and check-ups at homes, vehicle crashes and vehicles in ditches; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County facilities team is responsible for 1.4 million square feet of county facilities and responded to several failures preventing major damage and disruption to services at the Jail, Winchester House, Sheriff’s Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s 911 Center and Central Permit Facility, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works repaired water main leaks, a water main break and mechanical failures at treatment plants to ensure service for more than 300,000 customers.
WHEREAS, staff from the Emergency Management Agency, County Administrator’s Office, Coroner’s Office, Facilities and Construction Services Department, Division of Transportation, Public Works, Stormwater Management Commission, Health Department, Crisis Care Program, Women’s Residential Services, Mental Health Group Home, Sheriff’s Office, Jail, Highway Patrol, Depke Juvenile Complex Center, GIS, Planning Building and Development, Community Development, along with volunteers and partner agencies, including the American Red Cross, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, local municipalities and townships worked together to perform essential services and maintain emergency operations during the weather event; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RECOGNIZED, that the Lake County Board first extends its heartfelt sympathies to those impacted by the dangerous cold; and
BE IT FURTHER RECOGNIZED, the Lake County Board does hereby recognize all the employees and volunteers for their diligence and dedication in assisting the residents and communities of Lake County during this record-breaking winter storm, and gratefully extends its deepest appreciation and gratitude for their individual and collective contributions.
DATED, at Waukegan, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS, on February 12, 2019.