THE BRIEF Bringing Relevant Information to Employees & Families

THE COOK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

January, 2013

THOMAS J. DART, COOK COUNTY SHERIFF

A NOTE FROM THE SHERIFF

The start of a new year always presents us with the opportunity for new beginnings, resolutions, and goals, and this is

no different at the Sheriff’s Office. As an office, we are constantly striving to provide the citizens of Cook County with

exceptional customer service and courtesy in order to ensure that our responsibility to their safety and security is met at

all times. I encourage you to continue this mission each and every day both inside and outside of the office. As Sheriff,

I am dedicated to meeting and exceeding the expectations of both my employees and the citizens of Cook County, and

will continue to do so with goals I have set for this year. We are facing tremendous new challenges pertaining to public

safety both with gun violence and mental health care, and I have made it my resolution to confront these issues and find

new ways to bring change to our community. Thank you for the work you continue to do in working towards a safer

and stronger Cook County, and I am hopeful for the future of 2013.

SPECIAL THANK YOU

The Toys for Kids Benefit Basketball game took place

on Saturday, December 17th at St. Sabina in Chicago.

The event was hosted by Sergeant Rush-

ing (Division 9) and Officer Ross (Ex-

Ops).

Several supervisors and officers through-

out the department participated in the Annual Charita-

ble Basketball Game. The event helps to raise many

toys for kids in need.

Thank you to Sergeant Rushing, Officer Ross and all

who participated!

The Glass Slipper Project (January 1st-February 28th)

Prom season is rapidly approaching, which means that there are girls who are in need to help making their night special.

The Glass Slipper Project of Chicago is an organization that works with the Chicago Public School and provides a plat-

form for hundreds of local junior and senior high school girls to freely receive donated prom-related items at Boutique

Days during the months of April & May.

The items that are needed are: hair accessories, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, shawls, purses, bath/

shower gels, shoes & most of all prom dresses of all shapes and sizes.

Convenient drop-off boxes will be available in each facility.

Donations will be accepted until February 28, 2013

Chicago Polar Plunge

On March 3rd, Sheriff Dart and members of the Cook County Sheriff's Office will once again

participate in the annual Chicago Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics Chicago. Please

consider participating with Sheriff Dart and friends in this great event. Even a foot into the

chilly water qualifies as “Taking the Plunge.”

This event will raise money to fund year-round sports training and athletic competitions for

children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Past plungers have included CCSO staff, their friends, children and even grandchildren of

employees. Everyone is welcome on our team! Please see www.chicagopolarplunge.org for

information, photos, and updates.

Details for the 2013 Chicago Polar Plunge are as follows:

Date: Sunday, March 3rd, 2013

Time: 9:30am: Registration/10:30am: PLUNGE!/ 11:00am-2:00pm Meltdown Party

Location: North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Drive)

For more information please contact the team captain for the Sheriff’s Office - Special Pro-

jects Coordinator Tracey Steele at Tracey.Steele@cookcounty.gov

All participation is voluntary and will not be considered in any employment action

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US IN TAKING THE PLUNGE FOR THE ATHLETES

OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS CHICAGO! COPS FOR KIDS SAKE

Sheriff Thomas J. Dart will be the Honorary Chairman of t he 31st Anniversary of the COPS FOR KID’S SAKE Bowl-a-thon, set to take place on Saturday, March 23,

2013 at various local bowling establishments in Cook County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago provides children from single parent homes mentors who serve as caring and committed adult role models. With your help, last year’s donations totaled over $15,000! We are striving to make this

year’s event more successful.

Please contact Special Projects Coordinator Tracey.Steele@cookcountyil.gov or register at http://2012CCSheriffBFKS.kintera.org/ to reserve a lane for your team before it’s too late!

THANK YOU

On an average night, over 500 homeless men, women and children receive shelter

at Pacific Garden Mission. During the cold winter months that number climbs

well above 800. In our continued efforts to assist those in need in Cook County,

our office donated new and gently used blankets to the blanket drive, benefitting

the Pacific Garden Mission. As a result of these efforts, we were able to provide

the Pacific Garden Mission with more than 250 blankets!

A special thanks to the following who volunteered at the Pacific Garden on

January 1st:

Undersheriff Zelda Whittler, Alex Argona, Stephen Bagget, Raquel

Camacho, Jessica Castillo, Lillian Harry Robinson, Graham Hyland,

Tangenise Porter, Michele Bolden and Tracey Steele.

Our employees also brought their friends, family members and church groups,

totaling 35 volunteers, to join in this day of sharing. Thank

you to all on the volunteers for donating their time to assist in

the distribution of meals to the 500+ men, women and children

utilizing the services of Pacific Garden.

Thank You-Family Fun Night Winter WonderFest

We would like to extend a special thanks to all who attended the 6th Annual

Family Fun Night at Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest.

SAVE THE DATES:

APRIL: NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION &

AWARENESS MONTH

Sheriff’s Police Notes

Court Services Communications

Department of Corrections Corner

Congratulations go out to Markham District

Patrol Officer Juanita Blaino for her recent

victories at the NPC National Body

Building Championship in Atlanta, Georgia.

During the Nov. 10, 2012, competition,

Officer Blaino won the Overall Women’s

Body Building Award and the

Heavyweight Champion Award. These awards

are particularly significant because Officer

Blaino is the first woman in the State of

Illinois to win both awards.

Officer Blaino also was awarded her Pro

Card during this event, allowing her to now

compete in professional competitions.

Way to Go !

A great big thank you goes out to all Sheriff’s Police and 4th District Court Services Deputies who

contributed to the Holiday Food Drive sponsored by the Sheriff’s Police Community Relations Unit

during the month of December. In all, nearly 300 pounds of food was collected and donated to the

Hanover Township and Thornton Township food pantries. The Hanover Township Food Pantry serves

1,400 families monthly during the holidays and the Thornton Township Food Pantry feeds 5,000 people

monthly and is the largest food bank in Illinois behind the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

Congratulations to all on a job well done !

Congratulations go out to Sheriff’s

Police Detective Jason Moran and

his wife Melanie on the birth of their

daughter Elizabeth Julia who was

born Dec. 8. Elizabeth Moran made

her debut at 8 pounds, 2 ounces and

20 ½ inches long. Mom, Dad and big

Brother Jonathan are all doing great!

Best wishes on the newest addition

to your family!

On Tuesday December 11, 2012, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Commissioner Robert Steele (2nd District) presided over the Official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new

pedestrian refuge island/crosswalks in front of Divisions 10 and 11. In July 2012, Officer Nikki Bostic-Jones was struck and killed by a drunk driver in front of Division 10 as she was crossing the

street. The crosswalk and refuge island planning began immediately after this tragic event. The project was completed in November 2012. The CCDOC wishes to thank Undersheriff Zelda

Whittler, Superintendent Michael Dembosz, Mike Boyce of the Sheriff’s Executive Office, John Yonan and “Sis” Killen of the County Highway Department (Bureau of Transportation) and the

City of Chicago Department of Transportation for their tireless efforts in making this area safer for staff and civilians.

Our Condolences Go Out to the Following: * Officer Dominick Boggia of Special

Operations, on the loss of his Mother, Patricia

Martin

* The Madison Family, on the loss of retired

Sheriff’s Police Special Operation

Commander LaChom “Red” Madison

*Lt. Michael Goldsmith of the Sheriff's Police

Training Academy and Telecommunicator

Frances Washack of the 911 Center, on the loss

of their father, Retired Director Robert W. Gold-

smith, Court Services & Internal Affairs.

On December 3rd, Officers Moore and Goros responded to a call of a man down at Glenn Oaks Commons Club House. Within

two minute of being assigned to the call, the Officers arrived at the Club House and found the victim lying on the floor,

unresponsive and with no pulse. The victim, who was among several family members, was visiting from India and had been

attending a family party when he suffered a severe heart-attack. Officers Moore and Goros sprang into action working as a team

giving chest compressions and rendering aid. They worked tirelessly on the victim while radioing in information and requesting an

additional ambulance for the victim’s wife who fainted under the stress. While paramedics worked on the victim the Officers

maintained a professional and compassionate demeanor. Thanks to the Officers, the victim was finally stabilized. Officer Maureen

Moore and Officer Louie Goros did a great job in swiftly applying life saving techniques that resulted in saving the man’s life.

Thank you Officers for a job well done.

Cook County Sheriff’s Police AFSCME #3958 Sergeants and Local # 2264 Police Officers have generously donated to the Maine

Township Food Pantry. This donation was for the distribution of food for Thanksgiving. Thank you for your generosity!

MARKHAM COURTS

Kudos to the front door staff at District

6- Markham Courts for recovering a record

THREE stun guns at the entry

screening post from January 8th-10th. Thanks

to Deputy Sheriff Lisa Koshmider and

Deputy Sheriff Karen Todd for doing an

outstanding job. Keep up the Great work!

On January 7th, 2013, Deputies Bradley

Rucks and Frank Czerwinski, who are

assigned to the tow unit at Markham, were

asked for assistance by ATF Agent A. Delgado

regarding a tip that was received about a

subject named Shawn Griffins. Griffins was in

court on attempted murder charges that day and

was subsequently released from court. Shortly

after being released, Griffins was stopped for

a traffic violation (failing to obtain a license)

outside of the parking lot. During the search of

the vehicle two plastic bags with

approximately 65.9 grams of Cannabis and

$3,900.00 USC was recovered. Griffins was

taken into custody, evidence recovered and the

vehicle impounded. Great team effort!

Last November, Sheriff Dart presented the Youth Service Medal of Honor to Cook

County youth who volunteered a minimum of 100 hours of service to their community.

This year a total of 365 youth received the award. Together, these young men and

women have volunteered over 45,000 hour at a variety of organizations. Some examples

are:

*Rustic Pathways—Thailand: Student built 2 wells in MacKanai Village; constructed a

bathroom and volleyball court at Nohbo Academy; and built concrete walls in 5

classrooms at the HwayKaLoke School

*Fire clean-up in Colorado

*Building clean-up in Kentucky

*Teaching Bible school, working with choir groups, holding clothing and food drives in

various churches

*Working at festivals in villages and towns

*Coaching youth sports

*Tutoring students

*Working with patients at Hines VA, Palos, and Little Company of Mary Hospital

*Working at local libraries: filing books, story time with younger children

If you know of any high school student who would qualify for this award in 2013

please call the Youth Services Department at 773-674-4711.

Barber College Program

In January of 2012, Mr. Larry Roberts, Founder and CEO of Larry’s Barber College partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to create and install a fully licensed and accredited barber college in Division 6.

The commitment and dedication expressed through the teamwork of his staff and Division 6 personnel has made this program a true success. Between January and December 2012, 4 participants have

graduated from the college by successfully completing all course requirements while in custody at CCDOC. The Barber College Program also has a transition to community component. After release,

students are able to continue their education by enrolling in Larry’s Barber College, which has locations across the city of Chicago. A number of former participants have already begun to take

advantage of this opportunity. The program provides the means for the student to fully prepare for the Barber License Exam. This program has generated enthusiasm across the facility, and plans are

being made to expand the Barber College Program to VRIC and Division 4 during 2013.

Jail Guitar Doors

Last fall a guitar program was started in

Division 11 with 10 participants who

were introduced to the basics of playing

guitar as well as song writing. The

instructors are local music teachers who

are donating their time. The initial ten

guitars were provided by the Jail Guitar

Doors Foundation. The response from

Division 11 inmates was very positive.

The winter session began on January 11

and will continue for 8 weeks. We need

more guitars to expand the number of

participants. If you have an old acoustic

guitar in any condition, that you would

be willing to donate please contact

Director Willie Winters at 773-674-7407

and he will arrange for pick up.

IIt IPRO Project

The Cook County Sheriff’s Urban Farming program

will be partnering with students from The Illinois

Institute of Technology IPRO program on two projects

this Winter and Spring. The first will be a multi disci-

pline approach in designing a hoop house that can be

assembled inexpensively by inmate workers for use at

our garden projects. It will be engineered for heating

with solar collectors that were donated to the Sheriff’s

Department. The second project will be designing and

engineering an irrigation system for garden projects

that can be assembled easily by staff and inmates. The

system will save water and help with crop yields. Staff

members from the Sheriff’s Office made a presenta-

tion to students from the program and as a result 17

students have committed to begin work on the project

which will include site visits and regular meetings with

staff and inmates participating in garden program.

SMART Yoga Program

was held January 7-11

2013 had 19 Inmate

Participants who learned

breathing and relaxation

techniques. These

techniques are used as

another tool to help cope

with issues that lead them

into the criminal justice

system. The program

helps relieve anger issues

through cleaner and

healthier bodies. The

Prison Smart Yoga Project

will also be featured

through a program on the

TV ASIA Network in the

near future.

DALEY CENTER COURTS

Christmas time is a beautiful season of giving and celebration; however, sometimes it can be a challenge

for some families. Melrose Park Elementary School was the recipient of a huge surprise for their first

graders when the Daley Center Court Staff reached a little deeper in their pockets and played Secret Santa

to them. Through careful coordination, the group of 55 students mailed their letters to "Santa Claus" at the

"North Pole" aka (Daley Center). Each and everyone of the students received a gift from their wish list and

Mrs. Yadira Gomez-Munoz said that the students were overwhelmed with joy when they opened them.

Special thanks go out to everyone who helped make this event a success.

SWAP

On January 11, 2013, Deputy Garcia and Lt. Lang assisted the Elmwood Park Police Department with a warrant arrest. While working on this date, Lt. Lang and Deputy Garcia were

notified of a subject that was wanted by Elmwood Park PD for possession of cannabis with intent to deliver. Upon verification of warrant offender was placed in custody, transported and turned

over to the Elmwood Police for processing without incident.

BRIDGEVIEW COURTS

On Dec 18th, Deputy Sheriff Mark

Varkalis became aware of the 2

prisoners escaping from federal custody

in the MCC in Chicago. He

subsequently learned that the sister of

one of the escapees was present at

District 5 regarding a petition for an

order of protection. He located the

subject and brought her to the District 5

Sheriff's Police office where further

investigation was conducted. Great job

Deputy Sheriff Varkelis n identifying

this potential lead.

Congratulations to Deputy Sheriff

Dennis Hoyne and Deputy Sheriff

Danielle Zwolinski on their

retirements. Congratulations to our Daley Center Courts retirees:

Lillie Sims, Mary Ventrella, Kathy Calendriello,

Heartfelt Condolences:

*Chrystal Kyles on the loss of her Brother

*Adelle Coffey on the loss of her Grandmother

*Alfred Golden on the loss of his Father in law

*Marvin Davis on the loss of his Brother

*The McAlynn Family on the loss of their daughter Deputy Sheriff Tierney McAlynn

On Saturday, January 12, 2013, Officer Christopher Dellutri was involved in a very serious car accident. The latest update that we have from his mother is that he has been moved to a very nice reha-

bilitation extended care facility. Physically, he is getting stronger and his fractures and broken jaw are healing. Cognitively, he has a long way to go. He has Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, two brain

bleeds, a severe concussion and now Face Blindness. Face Blindness means that he can’t recognize anyone. His vocal cords are damaged and he may also have traumatic amnesia which can happen

with major head injuries. He has begun intensive therapy and testing will continue. Currently, there are no visitors allowed but you can keep updated by joining “Friends of Chris Dellutri” group on

Facebook. The CCDOC will be praying for Chris and his family with hopes that he makes a full recovery.

The following staff members were

awarded commendations for displaying

a great deal of patience and

professionalism while dealing with

incidents that included Use of Force:

Lieutenant Thomas Cintron

Sergeant Cecilia Deanes

Sergeant Christine Guzman

Sergeant Jerrilynn Dubose

Officer Noah Robinson

Officer Kevin Meller

Officer Denise Banda

Officer Angela Johnson

Officer Jevon Bates

Come out and join us again to support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fundraiser!

When: March 8th, 2013 Where: Galvin’s Public House 5901 W. Lawrence Chicago, Illinois

Time: 6pm-12am

We look forward to seeing you there and shaving your heads in the fight against Childhood Cancer.

For more information about joining our team, contact Officer Jacobson, Div IX (7-3 shift), at extension 6220