Sheriff reports surge in volunteer hours; committee renews Illinois Emergency Management mutual-aid agreement

LaSalle County Sheriff Fred reported to the Public Safety Committee on Jan. 2 that volunteer contributions rose substantially in 2024 and described outreach and award recognition, and the committee approved renewal of the county's Illinois Emergency Management mutual-aid agreement.

Fred said volunteer hours totaled 3,174 in 2024 and listed the number of Presidential Service awards at each level, noting an appreciation dinner scheduled for Jan. 18 to honor volunteers. "We had, 3,174 volunteer hours that were contributed to the County," he said.

Fred then addressed the Illinois Emergency Management mutual-aid agreement, noting the county's previous agreement expired Nov. 30 and that renewing the agreement preserves the county's ability to request mutual-aid resources for damage assessment and major events. He said a sample resolution had been prepared and might be on file in Amanda's office. The chair asked for a motion to approve the agreement; the committee approved it and the chair said the agreement will go to the full board and requires Don's signature.

Why it matters: The mutual-aid agreement ensures LaSalle County can seek intercounty assistance for major incidents; the volunteer-hour totals underscore local capacity and reliance on volunteers for traffic control and community events.

The committee voted to place the sheriff's report on file and to approve renewal of the mutual-aid agreement; no additional conditions or amendments were recorded in the transcript.