April 18, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact Andre Garner, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, at 773-562-8874 or email Garner at afgarner@cookcountygov.com.

Stroger Announces Restructuring of County Emergency Management Operations

Reorganization designed to allow County operation to meet terms of Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.

Chicago – On Wednesday, Cook County Board President Todd Stroger announced a reorganization of the County’s emergency management operations that will shift responsibility for the organization, administration, training and operation of the County’s EMS programs to his purview.

The shift, which is budget neutral, meets the terms of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Other municipal operations, including the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, and DuPage and Will Counties – key partners in Cook County’s EMS operation – use the model that President Stroger has announced.

Previously, the Sheriff’s Office had shouldered the responsibility of managing Cook County’s EMS programs.

Stroger has asked Dan Coughlin, Director of the Judicial Advisory Council, to serve as coordinator of the effort. As the new Homeland Security Coordinator, also a budget neutral appointment, Coughlin will help oversee a national search for a director of emergency management who will report directly to the President’s Office. The current emergency management staff serving under the Sheriff will be given the opportunity to apply for positions within the newly reorganized emergency management agency. 

Besides allowing Cook County to meet the requirements of the IEMAA, the restructuring is designed to ensure that County County’s emergency management planning encompasses the range of operations that must be incorporated into EMS planning, from health care to communications issues.

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