The Partner | September 2022
Quarterly Meeting Minutes
If you couldn’t join us for our September Quarterly CJCC meeting, you can find the meeting minutes attached here! We will have another opportunity for you to join us very soon on December 14th. Use this link to register so you don’t miss the chance to join this vital discussion on major topics that impact our local community.
Color of Equity "One Pager"
The Color of Equity Community Organization of Highland Park recently published their "One Pager" publication. Color of Equity is a community collective working for racial equity and justice for people of color and advocating for policy changes in Highland Park, IL and Lake County schools and police departments. We wanted to share the necessary work they are doing to improve our local community through their advocacy and integrity. You can view their document linked here.
Safety and Justice Challenge Network Meeting
A delegation of our leadership and equity teams was recently able to participate in the Safety and Justice Challenge Network Meeting in Atlanta, GA. The Safety and Justice Challenge, in partnership with John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, exists on the basis of reimagining and rebuilding local criminal justice systems — reducing jail incarceration and increasing equity for all. Lake County is proud to be amongst the 57 counties, cities, and states partnering with the Safety and Justice Challenge on this important work. At this network meeting, our team participated in various, vital panels, presentations, and workshops. Our team is already hard at work implementing much of what we gleaned from this gathering and you will hear much more about this in the coming days and weeks! In the meantime, to learn more about the Safety and Justice Challenge and it's invaluable contribution across the country, please visit safetyandjusticechallenge.org
Three Sheriff’s Deputies Honored by Kiwanis Club
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce three sheriff’s deputies received the 2022 Kiwanis Club of Zion Benton’s ‘Lee J. Fischer Officer of the Year Award.’
Detective Lana LeMons is a 13-year-veteran of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. She has served in the Highway Patrol Division, Court Security Division, and Criminal Investigations Division. Detective LeMons plays a critical role in major investigations including homicide investigations. In addition to her work at the sheriff’s office, she serves as an investigator for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force. Detective LeMons is a certified evidence technician, juvenile officer, hostage negotiator, lead homicide investigator, electronic device forensic analysist, and she oversees the sheriff’s office sexual offender registration program.
Deputy Alex Dador is a 24-year-veteran of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Dador currently serves in the Highway Patrol Division on midnight shift. To date, Deputy Dador has removed 170 drunk or drugged drivers from our roadways. Additionally, he has taken a lead-role in serving orders of protection. The service of these orders is of vital importance in protecting those who may not be able to protect themselves, and Deputy Dador goes above and beyond to locate and serve the respondent of the orders. Just this year, he has already served over 175 orders and has a service clearance rate of nearly 90%.
Detective Leo Ascencio is a 3-year-veteran of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Detective Ascencio has served in the Highway Patrol Division and Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group. Detective Ascencio is described as having an outstanding work ethic, positive attitude, and great care and regard for the community. Detective Ascencio has been able to deescalate a number of extremely tense situations, utilizing his calm demeanor and communication skills. As a Special Investigations Detective, he plays a crucial role in combating gang, drug, and gun violence throughout Lake County. He continually mentors the newer generation of deputies and is held in high regard by his colleagues.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “I am so incredibly proud of Alex, Lana, and Leo. They routinely go above and beyond the call of duty to serve our Lake County community. From our correctional officers, to our civilian professional employees, to our sworn-staff, we have a tremendous group of talented and dedicated men and women within our organization.”
Sheriff John D. Idleburg Awarded the ‘Patriot Award’ from the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Our very own Sheriff John D. Idleburg has been awarded the ‘Patriot Award’ from the Office of the Secretary of Defense! The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed. The Sheriff’s Office has a standing history of ensuring we do everything we can for our staff who not only serve Lake County, but also serve the Nation in the Armed Forces.
Remembering 9/11
Sheriff John D. Idleburg had the privilege of representing the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office at a number of 9/11 ceremonies to honor the victims of the tragedy in the month of September. These events included ceremonies at Tech Campus and Naval Station Great Lakes. We will never forget.
You can help inform and engage the community about this work by forwarding this newsletter to three friends and encouraging them to sign up here.
The Safety and Justice Challenge strategies at Lake County, IL are proudly led and supported by:
Lake County Sheriff's Office
Lake County State's Attorney Office
19th Judicial Circuit Court
Lake County Public Defender's Office
Nicasa Behavioral Health Services
This project was created with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, which seeks to reduce over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.