Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout Complete, Body Scanner Installed at Juvenile Center
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.
Latest News Stories
Bill to let felons vote from prison draws criticism from Republicans
Supreme Court yet to decide high profile cases
Government spending on seniors’ benefits soon to make up majority of federal budget
Illinois Dems seek to expand post-release convict support, housing
$580B federal highway bill clears committee; includes rail safety, EV fees
Tennessee smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia dismissed
NASA reorganizes to accelerate Moon Base, lunar programs
Gabbard announces resignation, cites personal reasons
Illinois Quick Hits: Community College reimbursement bill passed
Powell out, Warsh in as new chair of Federal Reserve
Nessel pushes back as Trump administration extends order keeping coal plant open
Bipartisan praise for federal charges in Minnesota fraud cases