Sheriff's Office Launches Veteran Ambassador Program

LAKE COUNTY, IL – Lake Co. Sheriff Mark Curran wants to make sure homeless and in-need veteran in the county are receiving the help they need. That's why the Lake County Sheriff's Office has partnered with the Lake County Veteran's Assistance Commission, the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, PADS Lake County, Midwest Veteran's Closet, and Medal of Honor Recipient Allen J. Lynch in an effort to better address first-response for veterans.

Earlier this year, Curran invited newly appointed Lake County Veteran's Assistance Commission Director, Andrew Tangen, to the Sheriff's Office for an introduction and meeting. The leaders of both organizations had much in common to include law degrees; and as leaders of mission-focused, service-organizations -- they discussed new ideas to address issues which impact Lake County.

One of the challenges for the Lake County Veteran's Assistance Commission is providing crisis services after their normal-operating hours.according to a news release. While Lake County is fortunate to have the VA as a resource, many veterans and some first-responders don't know how to access services for those in need, after hours.

To better ensure crisis services are available to those in need, a plan was created for Lake County Sheriff's Office employees. Select employees received awareness training on the issues of veteran homelessness and veterans "in crisis;" as well as transport, shelter, and referral options for immediate assistance. Training was provided by VA staff, VAC Director Andrew Tangen, and Mr. Joel Williams from PADS Lake County.

A majority of those who received the initial training served in the military, according to a news release. They returned to their respective Sheriff's Office Divisions to train remaining Sheriff's Office personnel. Thus, Sheriff Curran's Deputies and other employees will become Veteran Ambassadors for the VAC and VA.

Included in the plan is a 'Police Referral Card' which includes emergency contact numbers for the VA along with other resources, according to a news release A shelter plan was also implemented.

"As Lake County Sheriff's personnel are deployed throughout the County 24/7, they are ideal for engaging in conversation, assessment, and transport," said VAC Director Andrew Tangen.

"Sheriff's personnel with a yellow ribbon and blue shield affixed to their squad have the training and confidence to positively impact this issue and help those in need," Curran said.

In addition, Medal of Honor Recipient Lynch helped to create an emergency fund, to be accessed by Sheriff's personnel should any of the above options fail.

"It has been my experience that even the best plans can fail. With all of us working together, this team will not," Lynch said.

The policy and training for the Lake County Sheriff's Veteran's Ambassador Program went into effect in early October and the team will be fully operational prior to Veterans Day.

Photo caption: The Ambassador team. Front Row (L-R): Sgt. Tom Struck, Sgt. Ken Engberg, Medal of Honor Recipient Lynch, Lake County VAC Director Andrew Tangen. Back Row (L-R): Sgt. Chris Dador, Deputy John Willer, Deputy Chief Lou Kent, Sgt. Mike Bennett, Deputy Chief Scot Kurek, Deputy Vince Sciarrone. Photo credit: Lake County Sheriff's Office