Joliet Herald News
January 12, 2008
By Brian Stanley, Staff Writer

LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP -- The Will County Sheriff's Department received more than $1 million in federal funding recently.
 
U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Willowbrook, presented checks to Sheriff Paul Kaupas and Undersheriff Marty Nowak on Thursday morning in the library of Fairmont Grade School.
 
The presentation was held at Fairmont because the first grant gives $101,050 to hire a deputy as a full-time school resource officer for the school district.
 
"The presence of a (school resource officer) is really going to improve the climate and allow me and the teachers to focus on teaching. It will provide safety and security as well as education and learning," Superintendent Doris Langon said.
 
The officer, who Kaupas hopes to have working at the school before the end of this semester, will focus on educating students about the dangers of gangs and drugs.
 
"It really does help to start educating children about those things early on," Biggert said.
 
Then, joking that the government wants to be fair to children and those on the other end of the age scale, Biggert presented another $101,050 check to hire a full-time detective who will investigate elder abuse and other crimes against seniors.
 
Kaupas said he expects the investigator currently handling those cases on a part-time basis will take over that position as soon as his other duties can be reassigned.
 
Finally, the department will use $962,900 to install wireless laptop computers in approximately 100 squad cars this year.
 
"This is the one we we're in dire need of," Kaupas said. The computers will allow deputies instant access to law enforcement data systems, 911 dispatching and navigational software without having to rely on radio communication.
 
"Sometimes there can be delays and (having the laptops) will help protect our officers and help protect the county," Kaupas said.
 
Biggert said she secured the grants with support from fellow Republican Rep. Jerry Weller and Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin and Barack Obama.
 
"Everyone understood how important these grants are to the safety and security of our community, which goes beyond politics," Biggert said.
 
Kaupas said this was the first time the sheriff's office has sought federal grant money.
 
"I think we were kind of spoiled by getting all three. Now we'll be back for more," he told Biggert.
 
Reporter Brian Stanley can be reached at (815) 729-6079 or bstanley@scn1.com