• Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain. For more information, visit the Kane County Sheriff’s Office website, Facebook page, Twitter feed @KaneCoSheriff or call the Sheriff’s Office at call 6300-232-8400. For information on the A Way Out program, visit Kane County’s A Way Out website or text AWAYOUT to 847411.

Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain distributes monthly reports to the County Board, summarizing progress and upcoming activity. Today, Kane County Connects begins a series sharing highlights of that report.

“As we move through the second half of summer, we are making great progress in checking off the boxes on many current priorities,” Hain said. “We also make it a commitment to recognize our incredible staff for their efforts”

Officer of the Month: Patrick Tierney

Tierney

The Sheriff’s Office has selected Officer Patrick Tierney as Corrections Officer of the Month for August based on his consistent work ethic and service in our new positions of Diversion and Mental Health Officer.

Hain and Undersheriff Pat Gengler congratulated Tierney in a letter dated July 20.

“You take time to speak with detainees, maintain a good rapport with them and handle concerns before they become major issues,” the letter said. “You are also committed to serving as range officer, mental health officer and diversion officer.

“Officer Tierney, you are a model public servant, and I applaud your daily efforts to make the Kane County Sheriff’s Office a premier correctional and law enforcement agency.”

Fleet

The Sheriff’s Office has four new Tahoes and two more coming soon. Six additional Explorers will be coming later this year.

All are part of the budget.

Three will go to Bomb Squad technicians, one to the Criminal Patrol Team (K9, unmarked), one to a detective for evidence and one to be assigned.

‘A Way Out’ Program Early Success Stories

The Sheriff’s Office “A Way Out,” program encourages people overwhelmed by drug addiction to call, walk in or use the Sheriff’s Office Tip411 portal to get the help they need — without fear of punishment or retribution.

“Our A Way Out program that links our addicted population to treatment centers through non-punitive support from your Sheriff’s Office is in full operation,” Hain said this week. “We are pleased to report that on Monday, July 29, two brave people contacted the Sheriff’s Office for addiction help and were immediately linked to treatment. These are our two more marked victories in our effort to approach addiction and crime from a new perspective.

“I can’t thank enough Ashleigh Johannessen and Sgt. Aaron Feiza along with Maureen O’Connell from Corrections Mental Health for their incredible help in putting the A Way Out program together.”

Electronic Home Monitoring

(CREDIT: NPR Illinois)

Sheriff’s Office staff continues to develop the electronic home monitoring project that will restore an essential service to reduce jail population and cost that was previously operated by another division of the county.

“Lt. (Brian) McCarty has been working hard on putting the Electronic Home Monitory/GPS program together, and he’s making great strides,” Hain said.

Staffing

In further propulsion of our services, the Sheriff’s Office is returning to full-budgeted staffing with the additional of 10 new corrections officers and seven new deputies.

“This will allow our office to function to full potential with all of our daily essentials services,” Hain said.

New Body Scanner at Jail

A body scanner was recently installed at the detainee entry to the Kane County Jail.

“This $149,000 state of the art X-ray machine will serve to prevent concealed contraband from entering the facility,” Hain said.

Hain said the body scanner was purchased at no additional expense to taxpayers.

National Night Out

The Kane County Sheriff’s Office free National Night Out event features the popular Flight For Life Airmed 1 helicopter landing, community-building activities, fun and educational resources, visits with Kane County K-9 officers, food and entertainment for kids — and more.

“We hope everyone can join us in the Sheriff’s Office front parking lot for National Night Out starting at 6 p.m.!” Hain said.