Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Public Health & Safety Committee met Aug. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Overseeing the Sheriff, Emergency Management, Coroner, and the Veteran’s Advisory Commission.

Present were Keith Callaway, Mark Dietrick, Barbara Fletcher, Steve McQueen, and Mark Sorensen. Also attending were Assistant Ambulance Director Jessica Frese, Coroner Scott Graham, Sheriff Tony Grootens, and VAC Director Paul Havermale.

The meeting was called to order at 5:36 PM.

There was no speaker.

The bills were reviewed and appeared to be in order.

A motion to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2024, meeting was made by Steve McQueen and seconded by Mark Sorensen, motion carried.

Department Reports

Sheriff – Sheriff Tony Grootens reported that for the month of July there were: 1 new hire:

Carter Barnes - Jail

1 Departure:

Austin Spicer - Jail

The average jail population was 98.

Sheriff Grootens reports that there are 11 Federal inmates at present. They are hoping to bring in female prisoners soon.

Sheriff Grootens handed out information regarding two possible future capital requests: FLOCK Safety cameras (License Plate Readers) and a Mallory Safety and Supply BearCat assault vehicle.

Coroner – Coroner Scott Graham reported that for the month of July there were:

96 reported deaths

4 autopsies

2 abandoned remain.

43 cremation permits were issued.

1 suicide

These numbers represent a significant increase in cases and are equal to that experienced in December, traditionally, a high month.

Veterans Assistance Commission- Paul Havermale

Director Havermale stated that since January 2, they have seen 167 clients. They have received their first non-tax dollar financial support from a Foundation. These funds are tracked separately from VAC funds paid by the

County and are restricted for particular use.

They continue to interact with various agencies to extend their budget and resources.

Emergency Management/Ambulance-Director John Simon

Written report from Director Simon and follow up from Jessica Frese.

During the month of July, they handled 868 calls for service. The fair only accounted for a small number of these incidents.

They are trending an average of 27.7 calls per day.

The Tactical Medic Program is off and running. The Tactical Medic has been involved in his first incident and received very favorable comments from all involved. Sheriff Grootens should be given credit for making this program possible. Last week, two of our Paramedics graduated the Tactical Medical Practitioner Course in

Pennsylvania and are ready to serve. Sheriff Grootens has stated that he has knowledge of additional people who wish to be certified as Tactical Medics. The Ambulance Service continues to teach CPR and Stop the Bleed to all County employees. To date they have trained forty-two within the Courthouse and another 76 in the community.

The Education Team began an EMT Course on August 5. This is a 2 evening per-week course and will wrap up in December. Twelve are enrolled. One person is enrolled in the Paramedic Program which also started this month.

The Ambulance Service has lost two people but has hired three, two full-time and one part-time. There are currently two people on leave (one maternity) and one on light duty.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the Adams County Ambulance Service turns 50 years old this month. It was formed in August 1974.

Old Business

None

New Business

None

Appointments

None

Executive Session None

Business being concluded, the meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.

https://www.adamscountyil.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/10247